Objectives: To date we have only a limited understanding of the concrete verbal intervention techniques used in psychodynamic psychotherapy. In particular, there is no standard classification of these techniques.

Methods and Results:We analyzed the various types of verbal psychodynamic interventions from a theoretical perspective and looked at the issues relating to the definition and operationalization of these techniques. A list of different intervention types described in the theoretical literature was compiled and the varying definitions were compared. In addition, we developed a classification system to reflect the use of intervention types employed in psychodynamic practice. Qualitatively analyzed session transcripts formed the basis of this new classification system. The interventions were classified in terms of conversational technique (24 categories), thematic content (9 categories), and temporal focus (4 categories).

Conclusions: Empirical research in this field necessitates clear operational definitions and the unambiguous use of related terms.We developed a classification system in order to systematize and operationalize different types of interventions. It can be used for process research and to summarize specific techniques used in psychotherapy training.