Supportive Psychotherapy is More than Hand-holding

Supportive Psychotherapy Is the Perfect Complement to “How To” Therapies

Supportive psychotherapy has as its goal the strengthening of an individual’s adaptive capabilities. It is yet another way to improve resilience.

Supportive Psychotherapy in Rehabilitation Settings

Supportive psychotherapy is a key ingredient in the rehabilitation programs in which I have worked. First with chronic alcoholics, then with individuals with severe head injuries after they emerged from coma. In both cases it was crucial to support and strengthen the individuals as they were learning new behaviors or replacing old ones.

Supportive Psychotherapy Adds Insight to Action

Supportive psychotherapy often leads to the development of insight into one’s actions. The uncovering of hidden conflicts is the realm of other forms of psychotherapy. One’s ability to relate and reworking barriers to adaption are the stuff of supportive psychotherapy.

Supportive Psychotherapy Can Be a Bit Like Coaching

The role of the therapist in supportive psychotherapy is often more like that of a coach. It is similar to the “client-centered” therapies where the objective is to help the individual come to their own insights about their problems in living.