supportive psychotherapy

psychology

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July 14, 2026

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Supportive psychotherapy is a form of treatment for psychological, emotional, or behavioral disorders that focuses on reinforcing a patient's existing coping mechanisms and defenses. Unlike more intensive psychodynamic therapies, it avoids deeply probing emotional conflicts. The goal is to provide emotional support and help patients manage everyday stresses and crises.12

This approach is part of the broader field of psychotherapy, which uses words and actions within a therapeutic relationship to modify symptoms and promote personal growth. Supportive psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as medication or cognitive-behavior therapy, and can be delivered individually or in groups.213

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therapeutics
Psychodynamic therapies
Supportive psychotherapy is used to reinforce a patient’s defenses, but avoids the intensive probing of emotional conflicts employed in psychoanalysis and intensive psychotherapy.
Read More
Supportive psychotherapy is used to reinforce a patient’s defenses, but avoids the intensive probing of emotional conflicts employed in psychoanalysis and intensive psychotherapy.
Read More