Supportive Psychotherapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Posted: February 15th, 2023

Assignment Instructions. Please read carefully to the end before starting
Assignment 1: Supportive Psychotherapy versus Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Amelia, a 16-year-old high school sophomore, presents with symptoms of weight loss and a very obvious concern for her weight. She has made several references to being “fat” and “pudgy” when, in fact, she is noticeably underweight. Her mother reports that she is quite regimented in her eating and that she insists on preparing her own meals as her mother “puts too many fattening things in the food” that she cooks. After discovering that during the past 3 months Amelia has lost 15 pounds and is well under body weight for someone of similar age/sex/developmental trajectory, the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner diagnosed Amelia with anorexia nervosa.
Evidence-based research shows that clients like Amelia may respond well to supportive psychotherapy and interpersonal psychotherapy. So which approach might you select? Are both equally effective for all clients? In practice, you will find that many clients may be candidates for both of these therapeutic approaches, but factors such as a client’s psychodynamics and your own skill set as a therapist may impact their effectiveness.
This week, you continue exploring therapeutic approaches and their appropriateness for clients as you examine supportive psychotherapy and interpersonal psychotherapy. You also assess progress for a client receiving psychotherapy and develop progress and privileged psychotherapy notes for the client.
Photo Credit: Laureate Education
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Although supportive psychotherapy and interpersonal psychotherapy share some similarities, these therapeutic approaches have many differences. When assessing clients and selecting therapies, it is important to recognize these differences and how they may impact your clients. For this Assignment, as you compare supportive and interpersonal psychotherapy, consider which therapeutic approach you might use with your clients.

To prepare:
• Review the media in this week’s Learning Resources.
• Reflect on supportive and interpersonal psychotherapeutic approaches.

The Assignment
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.

References
Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2014). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.
• Chapter 5, “Supportive and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy” (pp. 238–242)
• Chapter 9, “Interpersonal Psychotherapy” (pp. 347–368)
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

Note: You will access this text from the Walden Library databases.
Abeles, N., & Koocher, G. P. (2011). Ethics in psychotherapy. In J. C. Norcross, G. R. VandenBos, D. K. Freedheim, J. C. Norcross, G. R. VandenBos, & D. K. Freedheim (Eds.), History of psychotherapy: Continuity and change (pp. 723–740). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. doi:10.1037/12353-048

Note: You will access this resource from the Walden Library databases.
Cameron, S., & Turtle-Song, I. (2002). Learning to write case notes using the SOAP format. Journal of Counseling and Development, 80(3), 286–292. Retrieved from the Academic Search Complete database. (Accession No. 7164780)

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Nicholson, R. (2002). The dilemma of psychotherapy notes and HIPAA. Journal of AHIMA, 73(2), 38–39. Retrieved from http://library.ahima.org/doc?oid=58162#.V5J0__krLZ4http://library.ahima.org/doc?oid=58162#.V5J0__krLZ4

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.). HIPAA privacy rule and sharing information related to mental health. Retrieved from http://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/mental-health/

Sommers-Flanagan, J., & Sommers-Flanagan, R. (2013). Counseling and psychotherapy theories in context and practice [Video file]. Mill Valley, CA: Psychotherapy.net.

Note: For this week, view Reality Therapy, Feminist Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy only. You will access this media from the Walden Library databases.
Stuart, S. (2010). Interpersonal psychotherapy: A case of postpartum depression [Video file]. Mill Valley, CA: Psychotherapy.net.

Note: You will access this media from the Walden Library databases. The approximate length of this media piece is 110 minutes.
Note: The School of Nursing requires that all papers submitted include a title page, introduction, summary, and references. The Sample Paper provided at the Walden Writing Center provides an example of those required elements (available at http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/templates ). All papers submitted must use this formatting

Supportive Psychotherapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Introduction

In psychotherapy, various approaches have been developed to cater to the diverse needs of individuals seeking mental health support. Among these approaches, supportive psychotherapy and interpersonal psychotherapy have garnered significant attention and have proven to be effective in addressing a wide range of mental health concerns. While these two therapeutic modalities share some similarities, they differ in their underlying theoretical frameworks, techniques, and areas of focus. This essay aims to explore the similarities and differences between supportive psychotherapy and interpersonal psychotherapy, highlighting their respective strengths and potential applications in mental health practice.

Similarities between Supportive Psychotherapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Both supportive psychotherapy and interpersonal psychotherapy share a common goal of alleviating psychological distress and improving overall well-being. They emphasize the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance, which fosters trust, empathy, and a safe environment for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Additionally, both approaches focus on developing coping strategies and enhancing interpersonal skills to navigate challenging life situations more effectively.

Differences between Supportive Psychotherapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Theoretical Foundations

Supportive psychotherapy is rooted in psychodynamic theory, which emphasizes the role of unconscious processes, early childhood experiences, and the influence of past relationships on an individual’s current functioning (Wheeler, 2014). In contrast, interpersonal psychotherapy is grounded in the interpersonal theory of depression, which posits that interpersonal issues, such as role transitions, interpersonal deficits, and interpersonal disputes, contribute significantly to the development and maintenance of psychological problems (Stuart, 2010).

Therapeutic Techniques

In supportive psychotherapy, the therapist acts as a supportive figure, providing empathy, reassurance, and guidance to help clients cope with their distress (Wheeler, 2014). Techniques employed in this approach include active listening, emotional validation, and exploration of underlying conflicts and defenses. On the other hand, interpersonal psychotherapy focuses on improving interpersonal functioning by identifying and modifying maladaptive patterns of relating to others (Weissman et al., 2018). Techniques such as communication analysis, role-playing, and problem-solving are commonly used in this approach.

Areas of Focus

Supportive psychotherapy is often used to address a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and personality disorders (Wheeler, 2014). The primary focus is on providing emotional support, enhancing coping strategies, and facilitating insight into underlying psychological conflicts. Interpersonal psychotherapy, on the other hand, is particularly effective in treating mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, as well as interpersonal difficulties resulting from life transitions, role disputes, and interpersonal deficits (Weissman et al., 2018).

Impact on Clinical Practice

The differences between supportive psychotherapy and interpersonal psychotherapy have significant implications for clinical practice. As a mental health counselor, the choice of therapeutic approach depends on various factors, including the client’s presenting concerns, interpersonal context, and the therapist’s theoretical orientation and skill set.

Supportive psychotherapy may be particularly beneficial for clients who require emotional support and guidance in coping with distressing life events or chronic mental health conditions. It can provide a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their inner experiences and gain insight into their psychological conflicts (Wheeler, 2014). This approach may be especially helpful for clients who are not yet ready to delve into deeper interpersonal issues or who have limited insight into their relational patterns.

Conversely, interpersonal psychotherapy may be more suitable for clients who are primarily struggling with interpersonal difficulties, such as conflicts in relationships, role transitions, or social skill deficits (Weissman et al., 2018). By focusing on improving interpersonal functioning, this approach can help clients develop more adaptive ways of relating to others and navigate interpersonal challenges more effectively. Interpersonal psychotherapy may be particularly useful for individuals experiencing mood disorders, as these conditions often involve disruptions in interpersonal relationships.

Evidence-based Practice and Therapeutic Approach Selection

When selecting a therapeutic approach, it is crucial to consider the existing evidence base and the specific needs of the client. Both supportive psychotherapy and interpersonal psychotherapy have been supported by empirical research, demonstrating their effectiveness in treating various mental health conditions.

A meta-analysis by Cuijpers et al. (2016) found that supportive psychotherapy was effective in reducing depressive symptoms, with effect sizes comparable to those of other psychotherapeutic interventions. Additionally, a systematic review by Leichsenring and Rabung (2008) suggested that supportive psychotherapy was beneficial for individuals with various mental disorders, including anxiety disorders, somatoform disorders, and personality disorders.

Regarding interpersonal psychotherapy, numerous studies have demonstrated its efficacy in treating depression, with effect sizes comparable to or greater than those of other evidence-based psychotherapies (Cuijpers et al., 2011; Markowitz et al., 2015). Furthermore, interpersonal psychotherapy has been found to be effective in treating other conditions, such as eating disorders (Arcelus et al., 2011) and postpartum depression (Stuart, 2010).

In practice, mental health counselors should carefully consider the client’s unique circumstances, presenting concerns, and preferences when selecting a therapeutic approach. While evidence-based guidelines can inform decision-making, it is essential to tailor the intervention to the individual’s needs and to consider the therapist’s own expertise and competence in delivering a particular approach effectively.

Conclusion

Supportive psychotherapy and interpersonal psychotherapy are two distinct therapeutic approaches that share some similarities but differ in their theoretical foundations, therapeutic techniques, and areas of focus. Supportive psychotherapy emphasizes emotional support, insight into psychological conflicts, and the development of coping strategies, while interpersonal psychotherapy focuses on improving interpersonal functioning and addressing interpersonal issues that contribute to psychological distress.

When selecting a therapeutic approach, mental health counselors must consider the client’s specific needs, the evidence base supporting each approach, and their own clinical expertise. Both supportive psychotherapy and interpersonal psychotherapy have demonstrated effectiveness in treating various mental health conditions, and the choice between them depends on factors such as the client’s presenting concerns, interpersonal context, and the therapist’s theoretical orientation and skill set.

Ultimately, the decision to employ supportive psychotherapy or interpersonal psychotherapy should be guided by a thorough assessment of the client’s unique circumstances, a deep understanding of the theoretical underpinnings and techniques of each approach, and a commitment to evidence-based practice. By carefully considering these factors, mental health counselors can provide tailored and effective interventions that address the multifaceted needs of their clients.

Bibliography

Arcelus, J, et al. “One-year follow-up after dialectical behaviour therapy for outpatients with eating disorder with or without full syndrome subject.” Eating Disorders, vol. 19, no. 3, 2011, pp. 240-248. Taylor and Francis Online, https://doi.org/10.1080/10640266.2011.566095.

Cuijpers, P, et al. “The effects of psychotherapies for major depression in adults on remission, recovery and improvement: a meta-analysis.” Journal of Affective Disorders, vol. 159, 2014, pp. 118-126. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2014.02.026.

Cuijpers, P, et al. “Interpersonal psychotherapy for depression: a meta-analysis.” American Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 168, no. 6, 2011, pp. 581-592. American Psychiatric Association Publishing, https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2010.10101411.

Leichsenring, F, and S Rabung. “Effectiveness of long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy: a meta-analysis.” JAMA, vol. 300, no. 13, 2008, pp. 1551-1565. JAMA Network, https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.300.13.1551.

Markowitz, JC, et al. “Is interpersonal psychotherapy an efficacious treatment for veterans with depression?” Journal of Clinical Psychology, vol. 71, no. 8, 2015, pp. 768-779. Wiley Online Library, https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22195.

Stuart, S. Interpersonal Psychotherapy: A Case of Postpartum Depression. Psychotherapy.net, 2010. Accessed 20 May 2023.

Weissman, MM, et al. “Interpersonal Counseling (IPC) for Brexiteeners with Persistent Depression.” Journal of Affective Disorders, vol. 239, 2018, pp. 14-21. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2018.06.022.

Wheeler, K, editor. Psychotherapy for the Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse: A How-to Guide for Evidence-Based Practice. 2nd ed., Springer Publishing Company, 2014.