Do Psychologists Reject Scientific Evidence?

Melody Brooke, MA, Conflict Coach, Motivational Speaker — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:40:56 GMT

Nwsweeks's Sharon Begley published an article in this weeks edition slamming psychologists and therapists for not using "evidenced based" cognitive behavioral therapies. She chooses to use "public shaming" as a way to get them to heed the "science" she touts. Sharon Begley's article shows her complete lack of understanding about how research is used to promote businesses and profits. Research in the mental health field is entirely different than heart surgery research. When research is done for psychotropic drugs the pharmaceutical companies only report those that support their drug. Long term studies show that therapy (not just cognitive behavioral therapy as Begley would have us believe) is equally effective as antidepressants in the short run, and more effective in the long run. If she would take the time to do the research Begley would discover that the funding for favorable studies of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies comes from insurance companies. These are short term studies that show a quick improvement over a short amount of time. Begley's lack of awareness of this is appalling and it undoubtedly will lead clients to believe that they are not getting the best treatment. In fact, I know of NO therapists who do not use cognitive behavioral therapy in some form. Just because they are not certified in a particular brand of CBT does not mean they do not practice it. We are all trained in it in school and use it as part of the basic premise of our work. But, as studies prove, CBT alone does not resolve long term psychological problems. Insurance companies, and predator organizations like the False Memory Syndrome Foundation use these studies, and the very idea of a "task force" to dictate what kind of therapies "should" be done is anti-choice, anti-humanistic and goes against what research has proven about therapy. It is the person of the therapist that makes the largest difference in the efficacy of treatment, which is why the whole idea of "evidenced based" therapy is erroneous. Good therapy, no matter what method is used, comes from having a therapist who respects who you are and can make you feel safe enough to address the issues that are most difficult to face. They must have also have skills to help you move past them, but first and foremost they must be respectful and safe. You can't measure that by "scientific" short term research studies that eliminate anything not reflecting their own interests. The very idea that one form of therapy will work equally well for everyone in every circumstance is completely ignorant of human psychology. Obviously, Begley knows little about that.

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Do Psychologists Reject Scientific Evidence?