Practice-Based Evidence

Surveys have shown that most therapists work in an integrative and/or ecclectic approach, combining insights and techniques from various orientations and treatment protocols. Yet, the most fashionable studies typically involve predefined treatment protocols, which few therapists will ever apply for real.

Practice-Based Evidence acts at a deeper connection with real practice. The approach requires a direct acknowledgement of the context in which individuals and teams work, including their own understanding of treatment goals and processes.

Integration-Oriented Research

Far from wanting to develop a whole new theory of psychotherapy, I try to study elements of treatment that are shared by most therapeutic orientations. This often implies studying the obvious. For example, most therapists would easily agree that therapy sessions are real-life exercises in:

  • nonjudgemental awareness of thoughts, feelings, or acts
  • expressing and sharing experiences with another person

Such generalizations allow for a description of the various orientations of psychotherapy, and the various styles and techniques of individual therapists, as mere variations of one element.