The historical development of psycho-analysis as a treatment technique and its various modifications are reviewed in the context of the evolution of psycho-analytic theory.

Utilizing current concepts of ego psychology, the psychotherapies are classified, first into those dealing with various age-appropriate developmental crises versus those dealing with the sequelae of unfavourable resolutions of past crises. Second, the latter group is subdivided into treatments for those lacking autonomy (supportive therapy), for those with some adult identity (psycho-analysis proper), and ego-building techniques which help patients to progress within the hierarchy of psychosocial maturation, either to spontaneous growth by resumption of an interrupted developmental crisis or to analysability.