Question

which of the following is consistent with the aims of supportive psychotherapy?

a. restructure defenses
b. strengthen defenses
c. promote problem-solving
d. b and c

Explanation:

🆕 New Concept Discovered: Supportive Psychotherapy Objectives
Reinforcing existing coping mechanisms rather than uncovering deep conflicts.

Step 1: Understand the core goal of supportive psychotherapy

Supportive psychotherapy is a treatment approach designed to improve symptom management, self-esteem, and overall functioning. Unlike expressive or psychoanalytic therapies, it does not aim to uncover unconscious conflicts or dismantle and restructure a patient's psychological defense mechanisms. Instead, it works to reinforce and stabilize the patient's existing healthy coping strategies.

Step 2: Evaluate the options against this goal

• A. Restructure defenses: This is a goal of expressive, psychodynamic, or psychoanalytic therapies, which seek to change how a person's personality and defense mechanisms are organized. Supportive therapy avoids this because restructuring can temporarily destabilize a vulnerable patient.
• B. Strengthen defenses: This is a primary aim of supportive psychotherapy. It helps the patient use their existing, adaptive defense mechanisms more effectively to cope with stressors.
• C. Promote problem-solving: This is another key aim. Supportive therapy actively assists patients with practical, day-to-day problem-solving and coping strategies to improve their immediate functioning.

Step 3: Select the best option

Since both B (Strengthen defenses) and C (Promote problem-solving) are core aims of supportive psychotherapy, the correct choice is D (B and C).

Answer:

D. B and C