Unframed References

• Past Life Regression by Maryann K. Schumm, 5/16/98
  • (...)
    
    • Depends on One's Frame of Reference by Doug W., 5/20/98
      
      

Doug W. writes:
There is no question that one could find all kinds of interesting, fascinating, mysterious things in the world. I think, however, the current state of mental health practitioner strategies mandates that we try to have some degree of empirical validation, and not keep on adding layer after layer after layer of supposedly new "effective" treatments. After a while the risk is that everything will look like 'phrenology'. By the way, whether we mean to or not, we practitioners are great at finding evidence that our own particular methods are very successful .

Doug, seriously, do you think you can find any more or less empirical validation in any one form of therapy over another? I seem to recall you questioning the "case history" approach to therapy... But, really, that's as empirical as it gets. Simply because one set of therapeutic metaphors is graced by tradition or academic credential gives it more credence, and more therapists willing to actually look at what evidence there is... but it doesn't make it any more "true" or "useful" as far as I'm concerned.

Frankly, I'm not too concerned how my methods look to others... I'm really only concerned that a client will leave my office with whatever change they came in for. Professional image over results seems an odd criterion.

Phil
Phrenology Online

No Replies