A review of supportive psychotherapy

Area of Science:

• Psychotherapy
• Clinical Psychology
• Mental Health Treatment

Background:

• Supportive psychotherapy is widely used, especially for hospitalized or chronically ill patients.
• Despite its prevalence, supportive treatment strategies are underrepresented in scientific literature and therapist training.
• Existing literature often lacks clear definitions and pedagogical approaches for supportive therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review diverse definitions and goals of supportive therapy.
• To differentiate between the supportive relationship and supportive treatment.
• To examine the relationship between expressive and supportive therapy modalities.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of supportive psychotherapy definitions and goals.
• Conceptual analysis differentiating supportive relationship from supportive treatment.
• Examination of the inverse relationship between expressive and supportive therapy.
• Discussion of specific techniques used in supportive therapy.

Main Results:

• Supportive therapy has diverse definitions and goals, often categorized by objectives.
• A clear distinction is made between the general supportive relationship and specific supportive treatment interventions.
• An inverse relationship exists between the intensity of expressive therapy and supportive therapy.

Conclusions:

• Supportive therapy requires clearer definition and better integration into therapist training.
• Understanding the distinct elements of supportive therapy, including communication style and specific techniques, is crucial.
• Further research and standardized training are needed to enhance the effective application of supportive psychotherapy.