Evidence-Based Psychotherapy and Counselling in the UK: Critique and Alternatives

Author: Feltham, Colin

Source: Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, Volume 35, Number 1, March 2005 , pp. 131-143(13)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Developments in empirically supported therapy or evidence-based practice in the UK are outlined and critically examined. Perceived advantages and disadvantages are set out, with a commentary. It is asserted that the evidence-based ethos is seriously flawed and that psychotherapy is essentially a faith-based craft, not a thoroughly researchable scientific enterprise. Some alternatives to evidence-based practice are briefly outlined, before turning to an exploration of the wider context of ‘anthropathology’ in which therapy takes place and against which it must acknowledge its limitations. Broad-brush conclusions are drawn.

Keywords: empirically supported therapy; evidence-based practice; anthropathology

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10879-005-0808-2

Affiliations: 1: Faculty of Development and Society, Sheffield Hallam University, Collegiate Crescent, Sheffield, S10 2BP, England, Email: c.d.feltham@shu.ac.uk

Publication date: 2005-03-01