supportive psychotherapy
a form of therapy that aims to relieve emotional distress and symptoms without probing into the sources of conflicts or attempting to alter basic personality structure. It emphasizes reassurance, reeducation, advice, persuasion, remotivation, and encouragement of desirable behavior. It is frequently applied to individuals with relatively minor or limited problems, as well as to fragile or hospitalized patients, as a means of maintaining morale and preventing deterioration.