A randomized prospective study comparing supportive and dynamic therapies. Outcome and alliance.
The authors report preliminary results of Brief Supportive Psychotherapy (BSP) in the Beth Israel Brief Psychotherapy Program for a sample with primarily Cluster C Axis II disorders. This study compares 24 patients treated with BSP with 25 patients treated with Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (STDP). STDP was chosen because its confrontational methods contrast dramatically to BSP, which emphasizes building self-esteem, reducing anxiety, and enhancing coping mechanisms. Videotaped therapies were based on manualized 40-session protocols. Similar degrees of improvement were seen in BSP and STDP at termination and at 6-month follow-up. A study of therapeutic alliance in BSP showed stable and high levels of alliance in good-outcome cases and more variability in poor-outcome cases. These preliminary findings are consistent with other studies and suggest supportive psychotherapy may be effective for many patients, leading to significant and lasting change.
Hellerstein
D J
DJ
Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY 10003, USA.
Rosenthal
R N
RN
Pinsker
H
H
Samstag
L W
LW
Muran
J C
JC
Winston
A
A
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011613:Psychotherapy