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Supportive psychoanalytic psychotherapy for borderline patients: an empirical approach

The American Journal of Psychoanalysis volume 66, pages 317–332 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

The author describes a reformulation for research purposes of a supportive psychoanalytic therapy for patients with borderline personality disorder. The major influences on the thinking that led to the modification of prior formulations and the historical background of treatment manuals are described. Supportive treatment is contrasted with transference-focused psychotherapy and dialectic behavior therapy in the interest of creating a clear comparison that lends itself to empirical study.

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Acknowledgments

Joseph Masling, Ph.D., read this paper in its original form as an address at the American Institute for Psychoanalysis of the Karen Horney Psychoanalytic Center. Without Dr. Masling’s encouragement and suggestions, it would not have been developed as a publishable paper. Helen Stein, Ph.D., provided invaluable editorial assistance and moral support.

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Affiliations

  1. M.D., Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research, Columbia University, 45 East 85th Street, New York, 10028-4957, USA

    Ann Halsell Appelbaum

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  1. Ann Halsell Appelbaum
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Correspondence to Ann Halsell Appelbaum.

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Appelbaum, A.H. Supportive psychoanalytic psychotherapy for borderline patients: an empirical approach. Am J Psychoanal 66, 317–332 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11231-006-9026-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11231-006-9026-2

Keywords

  • supportive
  • psychoanalytic
  • psychotherapy
  • borderline