Practice Of Supportive Psychotherapy

From front jacket: "..in this clinically rich volume, Dr. Werman shows the function of supportive psychotherapy as a well-defined form of psychotherapy that represents a logical application of basic psychoanalytic principles to a particular class of patients whose characteristics and needs can be clearly identified. The first chapter presents a clear differentiation between supportive and insight-oriented psychotherapy in terms of patients, goals and techniques. Next, the evaluation of patients for therapy is described at length because it is the cornerstone of effective treatment. Following chapters deal with goals of treatment, qualifications of the therapist and his or her behavior in the treatment hour, and basic strategies and tactics of supportive psychotherapy. Special attention is directed to questions of transference, countertransference and resistance in this mode of treatment. In the next five chapters, Dr. Werman deals with typical situations occurring during supportive psychotherapy and the tactical techniques that may be used to deal with them. Among the topics discussed here are the distortions of reality, independence, impulsive behavior and passivity, the silent patient, and the use of the dream. The final chapters deal with the change from insight to supportive psychotherapy, auxiliary therapeutic measures outside the therapy hour, and problems related to termination of treatment. The principles and techniques presented in this volume - with a wealth of clinical examples - will provide a richly rewarding and effective addition to the armamentarium of every psychotherapist."