A Reexamination of the Empirically Supported Treatments Critiques

Abstract

Half a dozen special sections and a number of independent articles in psychotherapy journals have recently addressed and debated empirically supported treatments (ESTs). Serious arguments have been presented in favor of the EST movement, while significant criticisms have also appeared. While acknowledging the importance of criticism on the process of developing the EST lists, this commentary reexamines several critiques related to the goals of the EST movement. By offering a positive and comprehensive view of EST aspects that may have initially appeared as weaknesses, this article reaffirms the strengths and potential benefits of the EST project and discusses ways to achieve them.