Directive Psychotherapy: I. Reassurance.: J. S. Andrews. J. of Clinical Psychology, I, 1945, pp. 52–66.

This paper is the first in a contemplated series on 'directive psychotherapy'. The use of the world 'directive' immediately contrasts the position of the writer to that of Rogers, or for that matter to psychoanalysis.

The technique of reassurance is briefly described—with short examples from case records—and its uses and contraindications stated. Distinctions are made between factual reassurance and effective reasssurance. The former represents a semi-authoritative (prestige endowed) presentation of information; the latter is not so much defined as it is portrayed. The author would include under affective reassurance all the many unverbalized attitudes and actions with which the skilful therapist impregnates his meetings with 'clients'. Reassurance is believed to be particularly effective with mentally retarded persons and young children. It is contraindicated where persons are seeking approval for evading responsibility for undefensible activities. The article would have profited from a more rigorous presentation of definitions and more clearly contrasting points of differing technique.