Realization of Reality: The Relevance of a Supportive-Humanistic Approach in Psychotherapy

Authors: Bandyopadhyay C*

DOI: 10.23880/pprij-16000307

Volume 7, Issue 3

Abstract

It is of common perception that modalities of psychotherapy that are ‘Supportive’ and/or ‘Humanistic’ in nature are not practically intervention-oriented, but rather pre-cursors to actual therapeutic work. This article offers a clinical opinion that aims to suggest the intensive and change-inducing capacities of these approaches, especially in cases where the individual’s psychopathology is a direct outcome or reflection of their environmental challenges, threats, injustices or demands that are objectively traumatic or at least, burdening. The application of the same has been described through the exploration of three different types of symptomatic presentations with varied backgrounds and perceptions of external stress, where the common theme remains the perception of omnipresence of an undeniably unforgiving and unfair reality. Through this discussion, it is proposed that a Supportive-Humanistic approach may be viewed through the clinical lens of what can be a sufficient and effective modality of intervention on its own; more so in cases where there are patient-specific barriers in implementing change through traditional cognitive behavioral or dynamic models of psychotherapy. It is concluded that these approaches often mobilize the individual to make positive, resilient changes within the limits imposed by their external world, simply by virtue of a mutually genuine understanding, processing, acceptance and validation of their difficult experiences within the therapeutic alliance. In essence, a Supportive-Humanistic clinical style can thus be as potent in enhancing coping skills of a person as any of their counterpart models of psychotherapy, in the face of an uncontrollable reality.

Keywords: Humanistic approach; Supportive psychotherapy; Intervention models; External factors; Psychopathology

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