Therapists of different persuasions use various techniques. Although many of these techniques are specific to their theory of treatment, others are practiced in common among different forms of psychotherapy. Many of these common techniques have been previously described, but supportive techniques have been largely ignored. The authors distinguish between the use of supportive techniques and the therapeutic alliance. Using Luborsky's definition of supportive techniques, they examine the empirical literature on the use of these supportive techniques in various therapies. They conclude that supportive techniques are often used in different forms of psychotherapy or counseling.