Technique and therapeutic process from a supportive-expressive relational psychodynamic approach.

In the present article, the authors identify three sets of clinical techniques central to the mechanisms of change in a supportive-expressive relational psychodynamic approach: (a) emphasis on patient affective experience, (b) identifying and understanding patient interpersonal patterns, and (c) therapeutic immediacy. Theoretical foundations and research findings supporting the utility of each intervention are outlined and briefly discussed. Clinical exchanges demonstrating the application of these techniques are also provided.