Evidence based practice and psychotherapy research

Abstract

This paper outlines the concept and the process of evidence based practice and discusses the potential role of evidence based practice in the development of psychotherapy research. Despite concerns that evidence based practice may impede the clinical freedom of clinicians, the argument presented in this paper is that this approach provides new opportunities for psychotherapy research. Evidence based practice provides a framework and a method for the translation of research into practice. In addition, the use of methodological guidelines and dissemination opportunities for clinically relevant research may help raise the profile of psychotherapy research in the context of an evidence based health service. Although most attempts to develop evidence based practice have been focused on applying the results of quantitative research to practice there are emerging opportunities to broaden the scope of evidence based practice. This can and should include neglected methods of research, for example qualitative methods, and neglected topics of research including the treatment of individuals with enduring and severe mental health problems.