There are different forms of therapy, and it is vital for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) to know and distinguish it. Supportive and Interpersonal types of treatment share similar patterns and differ from each other in some ways. PMHNPs can decide what form of therapy is the most favorable for a client. In the current assignment, the primary aim is to address similarities of supportive and interpersonal psychotherapies and to discuss three differences between them. Moreover, the impact on practice depending on a form of therapy, is presented and discussed. In conclusion, a suitable personal approach with clients is mentioned and explained.
Similarities
Both forms, Supportive and Interpersonal psychotherapy, pay special attention to a therapeutic approach to clients that diagnosed with mental health diseases. The practices aim at dealing with severe psychological issues such as anxiety and depression. The two therapeutic forms concentrate on personality problems, simultaneously reducing current symptoms (Wheeler, 2014). Thus, Supportive and Interpersonal psychotherapy share a similar approach to treatment.
Differences
One of the significant differences is that Supportive psychotherapy does not need as in-depth professional training as Interpersonal, where future specialists learn to work with clients diagnosed with interpersonal disputes, grief, role transitions, and other relationship issues (Wheeler, 2014). Supportive therapy is the form of treatment chosen by a client to treat negative symptoms and improve self-esteem and mental state (Winston & Lujack, 2015). To do so, this form of psychotherapy involves numerous strategies, including working on cognitive, defensive, and interpersonal problems (Wheeler, 2014). According to Cuijpers et al. (2016), Interpersonal psychotherapy is efficient in reducing depressive symptoms and preventing relapse. At the same time, the form of therapy is proven to be useful in treating eating disorders.
Impact on Practice
Supportive psychotherapy is found to be efficient in working with psychotic disorders. As Wheeler (2014) states in his book, “the left-brain frontal cortex problem-solving abilities are greatly impaired” (p. 239). In this case, Supportive therapy can be especially helpful for psyche stabilization. Concerning Interpersonal therapy, it is more useful for treating problems gained in the past, as it is concerned with interpersonal interactions (Wheeler, 2014).
Supportive Psychotherapy Approach
Supportive psychotherapy is a form that was chosen as my approach to clients. Nevertheless, it should be highlighted that every case is unique. The above mentioned form is proven to be the most common in most situations (Winston & Lujack, 2015). The method is widely used in doctor-patient communication and applied to clients diagnosed with mental illnesses (Rothe, 2017). In my personal opinion, Supportive psychotherapy will be the most beneficial in supporting mental well-being, as well as finding solutions for increasing self-esteem and raising self-awareness.
Conclusion
It should be noted that it is vital for PMHNPs to work with mental illnesses to distinguish and understand different kinds of therapy. For this reason, the current paper presented similarities and differences between Supportive and Interpersonal approaches. Each form can be beneficial for some cases, while detrimental for others. It appears to be essential to choose the best form of therapy to treat the client efficiently.
References
Cuijpers, P., Donker, T., Weissmam, M. M., Ravitz, P., & Cristea, L. A. (2016). Interpersonal psychotherapy for mental health problems: A comprehensive meta-analysis. American Journal of Psychiatry, 173, 680-687. Web.
Rothe, E. M. (2017). Supportive psychotherapy in everyday clinical practice: It’s like riding a bicycle. Psychiatric Times. Web.
Wheeler, K. (2014). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice (2nd ed.). Springer Publishing Company.
Winston, A., & Lujack, A. M. (2015). Supportive psychotherapy (4th ed.). Web.