ABSTRACT
Patients, clinicians, and researchers all have interests in psychotherapy. While the motivation behind their interests varies, all agree that two fundamental questions about psychotherapy are of great importance: (1) Does psychotherapy work? And if so, (2) how does therapy work? Th ese issues have been the focus of much attention over the years (e.g., Bergin & Lambert, 1978; Lambert & Bergin, 1994; Lambert & Ogles, 2003; Luborsky, Singer, & Luborsky, 1975; Luborsky et al., 2003; Shapiro & Shapiro, 1982; Smith, Glass, & Miller, 1980; Wampold et al., 1997, Wampold, 2001). In particular, these questions came to the forefront of the psychotherapy literature in 1993, when Division 12 of the American Psychological Association worked to publish a list of criteria for what constitutes empirically supported treatment (EST; Chambless et al., 1996; Task Force on Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological P rocedures, 1995; Task Force on Psychological Intervention Guidelines, 1995). A subsequent list of those treatments was published that were empirically supported. Very few psychodynamic treatments were included, nor were interpersonal or humanistic therapies included. Not surprisingly, these guidelines and this list became anything but unifying for psychotherapists and psychotherapy researchers.
