Supportive-Expressive Therapy (SET)

What is Supportive-Expressive Therapy?

Supportive-expressive therapy (SET) is a type of psychotherapy that helps people with substance use disorders address the underlying emotional and psychological issues contributing to their substance use. SET is grounded in psychodynamic theory, which posits that people's early life experiences and relationships shape their personality and behavior. SET aims to help people understand these connections and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Techniques Used in SET

• Supportive Techniques: SET therapists provide emotional support, empathy, and encouragement to help clients feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
• Expressive Techniques: SET therapists use techniques such as free association, dream analysis, and role-playing to help clients explore their unconscious thoughts, feelings, and motivations.

How SET Works

SET typically involves weekly or biweekly individual therapy sessions. During these sessions, the therapist helps the client identify and explore the underlying emotional and psychological issues contributing to their substance use.

The therapist also helps the client develop healthier coping mechanisms for dealing with these issues. SET can be used to treat various substance use disorders, including alcohol addiction, drug addiction, and gambling addiction.

Benefits of SET

• Reduced Substance Use: SET has been shown to decrease substance use and relapse rates.
• Improved Mental Health: SET can help people improve their mental health by reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma.
• Increased Self-Awareness: SET can help people become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and motivations.
• Improved Coping Skills: SET can help develop healthier coping skills for dealing with stress, difficult emotions, and interpersonal problems.

Efficacy of SET

Research has shown SET to be an effective treatment for substance use disorders. Studies have found that SET can reduce substance use and relapse rates and improve mental health outcomes. SET is also an evidence-based treatment for other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma.

Considerations

SET is not a quick fix for substance use disorders. It typically requires several months of therapy to see significant results. SET can be challenging, as it requires clients to confront their underlying emotional and psychological issues. However, SET can be a highly effective treatment for people with substance use disorders who are willing to commit to the process.

Getting Started with SET

If you think SET might be right for you, talk to your doctor or mental health professional. They can help you find a qualified SET therapist and answer any questions you may have about the treatment process.