A Study of Techniques Used in Supportive Treatment 1

Abstract

In our efforts in supportive therapy our team set-up has been extremely important and helpful. One person takes the basic responsibility for the patient, and he consults other team members freely. We have felt that the less formal the relationships within the team have been, the more effective has been our work. Through using this flexible team approach, the social workers in this clinic have been able to take responsibility for a great many cases of supportive treatment, including cases of rather severe psychosis.

We have gained the conviction that supportive treatment is an excellent tool in helping severely disturbed patients make an adjustment and in preventing hospitalization or rehospitalization. We have recognized, however, that warmth of interest for the patient and willingness to offer a relationship to him are only conditions to successful treatment. Concrete techniques based upon understanding of the patient's dynamics are necessary in order to do an adequate job.