Similarities and Differences of Supportive and Interpersonal Psychotherapy Approaches
Name
Walden University
NURS-6640N
Instructor
2020
Supportive and Interpersonal Psychotherapy Approaches
Supportive and interpersonal psychotherapy approaches seek mainly to bring about the
effects of mental disorders to patients with a therapeutic effect. Yet there are variations between
the two methods. First, an interpersonal approach is strongly endorsed therapeutic technique,
which mostly follows a highly structured and time-limited technique which takes typically 12 to
16 weeks (Cuijpers et al. 2016).
Therefore, the main goal of the supportive approach is to promote stable and adaptive
behaviors of the individual in order to minimize predominant intrapsychic tensions, which lead
to development of mental disorders, as illustrated in the previous article (Prochaska, & Norcross,
2018). In contrast, the main objective of the interpersonal approach is for any problem
interpersonal relationship to be identified and resolved. As such, therapists must consider the
emotional dimensions of patients which can influence the patient (Werman, 2014).
The interpersonal psychotherapy technique is on the other hand commonly used in the
treatment of mental problems connected to contact between individuals and families and other
social organizations (Cuijpers et al. 2016). Basically, this strategy can be used to reduce
psychiatric symptoms, such as depression, alcoholism and other associated illnesses by tackling
the underlying relationship issues (Werman, 2014).
As a nurse practitioner, I like to use an emotional approach to address mental problems in
patients. This is mainly because the approach underlines the importance of interpersonal
relations. In reference to Cuijpers et al. (2016) poor interpersonal relations make a significant
contribution to the development of most psychiatric disorders, including people in behavior and
mood.
This is likely that my career as a mental health professional would be influenced in
different ways by the aforementioned discrepancies between supportive and interpersonal
therapy. First, it is easier to define the best approaches and procedures based on evidence
available for better treatment to clients (Panya, Dangdomyouth & Lueboonthavatchai 2015).
Additionally, I will be focused on the different challenges faced by my clients as a mental health
consultant, but I will be exceptional.
This is likely that my career as a mental health professional would be influenced in
different ways by the aforementioned discrepancies between supportive and interpersonal
therapy. First, it is easier to define the best approaches and procedures based on evidence
available for better treatment to clients (Panya, Dangdomyouth & Lueboonthavatchai 2015).
Additionally, I will be focused on the different challenges faced by my clients as a mental health
consultant, but I will be exceptional.
Ultimately, these discrepancies between support psychotherapy and interpersonal
counseling would have a positive impact on my career because I would be more able to redefine
the connection between therapeutic approaches for development. In turn, continuing study and
review will be a result of recognizing the discrepancies in the use of both methods between
supportive and interpersonal psychotherapy.
I would prefer Interpersonal psychotherapy approach. The explanation for this is because
new research indicates that this approach is an important method for treating a wide variety of
health problems, including bipolar disorder, post-partum depression, anxiety illness and bulimia
nervous system. In fact, clinicians and mental health professionals were able to combat guilt,
constructive adjustment, and short-term counseling for all patients with persistent depression
effectively using this clinical approach.
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.
Panya, S., Dangdomyouth, P., & Lueboonthavatchai, P. (2015). The Effect of Group
Interpersonal Psychotherapy on Depression among Patients with Depressive Disorder.
Journal of the Psychiatric Association of Thailand, 60(2), 99-110.
Prochaska, J. O., & Norcross, J. C. (2018). Systems of Psychotherapy: A Transtheoretical
Analysis. Oxford University Press.
Werman, D. S. (2014). Practice of Supportive Psychotherapy. Routledge.
Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2014).CPsychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to
guide for evidence-based practiceC(2nd ed.). New York, NY: Springer Publishing
Company.
