Learning Theories and Supportive Psychotherapy
PHILIP R. SULLIVAN M.D.1
1 350 Beacon St., Boston, Mass. 02116
Supportive therapy is the Cinderella of psychotherapies. Considered a simple-minded endeavor, it seldom evokes theoretical conceptualizations, and the neophyte psychiatrist is usually left to develop his own techniques intuitively. The author points out the usefulness of learning principles in clarifying some common elements in supportive psychotherapy: 1) expressions of interest and solicitude, 2) giving advice, and 3) ventilation.
