ABSTRACT
This chapter describes specific techniques to address emotional, behavioral, or psychiatric disorders. Therapeutic goals are generic (making patients feel better and less overwhelmed), incremental (manageable), and specific (making patients feel competent and connected to others). Supportive therapy focuses on patients’ strengths. Common elements among psychotherapeutic techniques include (1) the expectation of receiving help, (2) participation in a therapeutic relationship, (3) obtaining an external perspective on problems, (4) the encouragement of corrective experiences, and (5) the opportunity to test reality repeatedly. Through cognitive processes of generalization, deletion, and distortion, people limit their perceived options. They create stories that reflect their limited view of who they are and what is possible. Therapy helps patients edit those stories. Behavior therapies underscore the importance of human learning and behavior modification. Cognitive therapy focuses on modifying “irrational” beliefs. The word “yet” is a powerful therapeutic tool since it implies that change is pending. Patients can be taught belly breathing and muscle relaxation to manage stress and anxiety. The acronym “PLISSIT” is used to structure levels of intervention, from simple Permission giving, to offering Limited Information, making Specific Suggestions, or entering into a contract for Intensive Therapy.
