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Psychotherapy: theory, experience, and personalized actuarial tables.
The British Journal of Medical Psychology
|December 1, 1977
Summary
This study explores the role of theory in psychotherapy, suggesting effectiveness is empirical and interpersonal, not solely theory-driven. It argues for the coexistence of different theories and proposes future research towards a
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychotherapy Research
Background:
- Current psychotherapeutic practice often views effectiveness as an empirical, actuarial process.
- This process is perceived as occurring within an interpersonal setting, separate from theoretical underpinnings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically examine the role of theory in the practical application of psychotherapeutic operations.
- To present a rationale for the coexistence of multiple, potentially contradictory, yet equally effective, therapeutic theories.
Main Methods:
- Discussion and theoretical analysis of the relationship between theory and practice in psychotherapy.
- Review of existing frameworks for understanding psychotherapeutic effectiveness.
Main Results:
- Psychotherapeutic effectiveness can be viewed as an empirical process independent of specific theoretical frameworks.
- A rationale is provided for accepting the validity of diverse and conflicting theoretical approaches in practice.
Conclusions:
- Theory plays a distinct, yet potentially non-essential, role in the immediate application of psychotherapy.
- Future research should focus on behavior change, potentially leading to a standardized 'therapeutic cookbook'.