In this article Psychoanalytical Supportive Psychotherapy (PSP) is described as a specific psychotherapeutic method based on the psychoanalytic theory. The psychoanalytical psychotherapies can be described on the basis of a continuum with on the one pole psychoanalysis proper and on the other pole pure supportive psychotherapy. The more one moves on this continuum from the pole of psychoanalysis to the pole of supportive psychotherapy, the more patient categories can be treated.

In this article indications and contra-indications for psychoanalytical supportive psychotherapy are described and changes in treatment strategy, in therapeutic technique and in the attitude of the therapist, in comparison with expressive psychotherapy, are explained and elucidated.