Supportive Psychotherapy Versus Interpersonal Psychotherapy

In a 1- to 2-page paper, address the following:

Briefly describe how supportive and interpersonal psychotherapies are similar.

Explain at least three differences between these therapies. Include how these differences might impact your practice as a mental health counselor.

Explain which therapeutic approach you might use with clients and why. Support your approach with evidence-based literature.

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Comparison of Supportive and Interpersonal Psychotherapies

Walden University

Psychotherapy Individual

NURS 6630

July 16, 2020

Comparison of Supportive and Interpersonal Psychotherapies

Psychotherapy is a general term used to refer to the treatment given to patients based on psychological principles. There are various forms of therapies, which are applied based on the patient’s specific mental or emotional problem. In this regard, this paper gives a brief comparison of two common forms of psychotherapy: supportive and interpersonal. Supportive psychotherapy refers to a form of treatment, which applies direct techniques to improve an individual’s adaptive skills, ego functions, and self-esteem (Pinsker, 2014). Interpersonal psychotherapy is an evidence-based approach that emphasizes the patient’s relationships when treating him/her for his/her psychological problems (Weissman, Markowitz, & Klerman, 2008). It will reveal the similarities and differences between the two and recommend the more suitable therapeutic approach.

Similarities

Both of the psychotherapies are effective in the reduction of depression symptoms in patients compared to other standard forms of care. They are both effective in handling different patient groups regardless of demographics such as age, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background. Apart from depression, both techniques are also effective in handling phobias. The clients are often encouraged to discuss their problems and share their feelings in both psychotherapies. Finally, both psychotherapies are grounded on psychiatric principles and are evidence-based practices. They require qualified personnel to effectively apply them in treating patients.

Differences

There are three major differences between these forms of psychotherapy. First, on the one hand, supportive psychotherapy emphasizes the client alone. The therapist makes use of practical approaches to handle the client’s distress. The therapist ensures the patient has an emotional outlet to express him/herself through the use of listening, encouraging, comforting, and reassuring (Pinsker, 2014). On the other hand, interpersonal psychotherapy focuses on the client and his/her close relationships, for instance, family and friends. The therapist tries to solve the patient’s problems by improving how he/she interacts with the people around him/her (Weissman, Markowitz, & Klerman, 2008). The idea is to eradicate or minimize the distress by enhancing the client’s social functioning.

Second, supportive psychotherapy focuses on the client’s limitations. For instance, the therapist will consider the client’s native ability, personality issues, and challenges tied to life circumstances (Pinsker, 2014). Thereafter, the therapist crafts a way of developing the client’s adaptive capacities to handle these limitations. In this regard, Winston, Rosenthal, & Roberts, (2019) assert that the therapist should make realistic goals when treating the patient. Interpersonal psychotherapy focuses on the limitations of the client’s relationships. Deficits such as being in unfulfilling relationships or social isolation are checked (Weissman, Markowitz, & Klerman, 2008). The therapist then comes up with a way of improving such conditions as a means of enhancing the client’s well-being. Finally, supportive psychotherapy targets specific depressive symptoms. In contrast, interpersonal psychotherapy targets maladaptive behaviors and thoughts associated with the client’s relationships. As a mental health counselor, these differences might affect the choice taken to handle a specific client depending on the root of his/her issues and the support structures available in his/her life.

Recommendation

The interpersonal psychotherapy technique is preferred over the supportive method. Cuijpers et al. (2016) state that this technique is beneficial in treating current depression and preventing future cases of depression. Also, considering that people are social beings, most of their mental problems originate from how they associate with others. Therefore, solving their interpersonal problems often enhances their quality of life. More so, ensuring that friends and family are available during the therapy session gives the client an extra support structure, giving him/her the strength to go through the treatment period knowing that he/she is not alone.

Conclusion/Summary

This paper has given a brief comparison of two common forms of psychotherapy: supportive and interpersonal. Supportive psychotherapy is seen to emphasize on the client alone while the interpersonal psychotherapy focuses on both the client and his friends/family. The latter form of therapy is preferred over supportive psychotherapy due to the support system it offers the client.

References

Cuijpers, P., Donker, T., Weissman, M. M., Ravitz, P., & Cristea, I. A. (2016). Interpersonal psychotherapy for mental health problems: a comprehensive meta-analysis. American Journal of Psychiatry, 173(7), 680-687.

Pinsker, H. (2014). A primer of supportive psychotherapy. Routledge.

Winston, A., Rosenthal, R. N., & Roberts, L. W. (2019). Learning supportive psychotherapy: An illustrated guide. American Psychiatric Pub.

Weissman, M. M., Markowitz, J. C., & Klerman, G. (2008). Comprehensive guide to interpersonal psychotherapy. Basic Books.