Supportive-Expressive (SE) Psychotherapy: An Update

An updated review of Supportive-Expressive (SE) psychotherapy is presented. The concepts, techniques and research methods of SE therapy are described, and empirical evidence is reviewed. Articles on SE therapy published between 1970 and 2006 were identified by a computerized search using Pubmed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Current Contents. In November 2006, the search was updated using database-specific keywords. By this search, 92 individual studies or review articles on SE therapy were identified. In addition, text books and journal articles were used. Only publications referring to Luborsky's concept of SE therapy were included. The information was extracted by two raters. Sixty-seven publications addressing SE therapy according to Luborsky were included. Articles refering to conceptual (clinical) contributions and empirical research on concepts, processes and efficacy of SE therapy were reviewed. Results were summarized by two raters. Empirical data are in general consistent with the concepts of SE therapy. At present, a limited number of randomized controlled trials providing evidence for the efficacy of SE therapy in specific psychiatric disorders is available. Further efficacy studies are required. With regard to processes of SE therapy, studies addressing the interactions among supportive-expressive interventions, patient's level of functioning and outcome are recommended.