A practical clinical suggestion for strengthening the alliance based on a supportive-expressive framework.

Supportive-expressive psychodynamic psychotherapy builds on the core conflictual relationship theme (CCRT) as a framework for case formulation and interpretations. Much has been written on how interpretive techniques should be implemented in the treatment sessions to bring about therapeutic change, but less is known about implementing supportive techniques for strengthening the alliance using this framework. The present article uses CCRT formulations to articulate clear and concrete supportive techniques that clinicians can use in clinical practice.