Supportive psychotherapy, which originated in the early 20th century, is a therapeutic method with more limited therapeutic objectives than psychoanalysis. Its goal is to help students learn to cope with symptoms and prevent more serious mental illness. For relatively healthy people, supportive psychotherapists help them cope with some temporary difficulties. The purpose of psychoanalysis is to help clients grow up and make them aware of the symptoms caused by subconscious conflicts, which can be eliminated by correction.

The following are some common contents of supportive psychotherapy:

1. Listening and understanding: Supportive psychotherapy focuses on listening and understanding personal experiences, emotions and troubles. Therapists will listen to the inner world of individuals with respect and acceptance, and try to understand their feelings, thoughts and behaviors.

2. Emotional expression: Therapists encourage individuals to express their emotions and provide a safe treatment environment so that individuals can freely express their inner feelings, such as confusion, pain, fear or anger. This helps individuals to release their emotions and better understand and handle their own emotional experiences.

3. Self-exploration and self-cognition: supportive psychotherapists explore their inner world with individuals and help individuals understand their feelings, needs, values and beliefs. Through self-exploration and self-cognition, individuals can know themselves more clearly and enhance their self-awareness and self-understanding.

4. Teaching coping skills: In supportive psychotherapy, therapists can teach individuals some effective coping skills to help them deal with emotional distress, life stress and interpersonal relationships. These skills may include relaxation training, emotional adjustment and problem-solving skills.

5. Establish a support network: Supportive psychotherapy emphasizes the importance of individual social support system. Therapists will encourage individuals to establish and expand support networks, strengthen social ties and obtain external support. This may include family members, friends, colleagues or support groups.