WHAT IS “EVIDENCE-BASED PSYCHOTHERAPY”?

1. We use treatment approaches shown to be effective in scientific research

For the last 3-4 decades, psychotherapy has been researched extensively. Randomized controlled treatment trials (similar to medication studies) have demonstrated the effectiveness of psychotherapy overall, and have identified specific approaches that work especially well for certain problems and diagnoses. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) (see Approach for details).

2. We focus on a strong client-therapist relationship

Research has shown that the client-therapist relationship is essential to effective change and growth, so this is also evidence-based and a fundamental focus. A strong alliance includes a safe and empathic relationship as well as a shared understanding of the problem, goals, and process that will facilitate lasting change. Client and therapist must be on the same page, and working actively and collaboratively to support transformation.

3.  We use progress-monitoring data to determine if psychotherapy is working for you

Just because a specific treatment (such as CBT for social anxiety) has been shown to be effective in large studies doesn’t mean that it will work for every particular client. We believe that psychotherapy must be based on an individualized conceptualization and therapy plan to take into account the complexity of the person and the problem, and to address each client’s goals, strengths, personality and values in the context. Progress monitoring techniques (e.g., goal benchmarks, measures) help us gather evidence about whether the therapy is working for you.