ABSTRACT
In this chapter the focus will be on a number of loose ends in the psychotherapy evidence base that have not been fully addressed in previous chapters, although some have been mentioned briefly. The chapter addresses the question: What other types of interventions that have not been fully addressed in previous chapters can help psychological problems? For severe mental health problems, evidence for the benefits of user involvement in service delivery and evaluation; the use of home treatment and day hospitals as alternatives to inpatient care; and the use of supported employment to enhance occupational adjustment will be considered. For anxiety, depression, and other common difficulties, evidence will be summarized on the effectiveness of psychotherapy as an early intervention in primary care, student counselling services, and crisis intervention programmes. A summary will also be given of evidence for the psychotherapeutic benefits of interventions requiring minimal therapist contact, including bibliotherapy, computer-based therapy, the use of homework assignments between sessions, and expressive writing exercises. The evidence base for the effectiveness of psychotherapy involving play, art, music, dance, and drama will be considered. So too will evidence for the effectiveness of hypnosis, mindfulness-based meditation, physical exercise, and massage, since in some instances aspects of these practices have been incorporated into multidisciplinary psychotherapeutic programmes.
