[Combination of methods and integration of methods as standard in psychotherapy?]

Psychotherapy has undergone a relatively brief but nonetheless dramatic development, but this resulted in an enormous variety, extensive diversity, and good treatment possibilities. Can we say at this stage that the combination and integration of different methods in psychotherapy are today's standards? The authors, a psychoanalyst and a behavioural therapist, consider a greater transparency between the various therapeutic schools as a goal that must still be aimed at before methods can be combined. If such a combination is finally achieved, a standard psychotherapeutic treatment may evolve, since patients suffering from eating disorders, compulsive behaviour or anxiety would profit more from such treatment than from a merely "school"-oriented therapy. Initial ideas for achieving an integration of methods are discussed in respect of inherent limitations and risks.