PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Psychotherapy - the treatment of mental disorder by psychological rather than medical means
The value of psycotherapy was first widely questioned in 1952, when British psychologist Hans Eysenck reviewed studies in which thousands of clients had received either traditional psychodynamic therapy, various other therapies, or no treatment.
To the surprise and dismay of many therapists, Eysenck concluded that the percentage of clients who improved following any kind of psycotherapy was actually lower than that of people who had received no treatment.
Critics argued that in drawing his conlusions, critics argued that Eysenck had misinterpreted his data. They pointed out that clients might have been less disturbed than those in treatment.
Are all forms of therapy equally effective?
Most therapists believe that the theoretical approach and treatment methods are superior to those of other therapists, but many therapists believe various treatment approaches appear to be equally effective overall.
Which therapies work best for which problem?
Researchers found that many treatments, known as empirically supported therapies (treatments whose effects have been validated by controlled experimental research) have been proven.
What do the results mean?
The authors of the report on EST's, claim that by relying on analysis of experimental research, they have accomplished a scientific evaluation of various treatments and generated a list of methods from which clinicians and consumers can choose with confidence when dealing with specific disorders.
