Evidence-Based Practice: Separating Science from Pseudoscience

2015/12/01 by Catherine M. Lee, John Hunsley · 1 citation
Psychology · Arts and Humanities · #Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications #Mental Health and Psychiatry #Counseling, Therapy, and Family Dynamics

paper · pdf · doi:10.1177/070674371506001203

openalex publication_date 2015/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30

Abstract

Evidence-based practice (EBP) requires that clinicians be guided by the best available evidence. In this article, we address the impact of science and pseudoscience on psychotherapy in psychiatric practice. We describe the key principles of evidence-based intervention. We describe pseudoscience and provide illustrative examples of popular intervention practices that have not been abandoned, despite evidence that they are not efficacious and may be harmful. We distinguish efficacy from effectiveness, and describe modular approaches to treatment. Reasons for the persistence of practices that are not evidence based are examined at both the individual and the professional system level. Finally, we offer suggestions for the promotion of EBP through clinical practice guidelines, modelling of scientific decision making, and training in core skills.

Citations

• Evidence based medicine: what it is and what it isn't
• Psychological Treatments That Cause Harm
• Why many clinical psychologists are resistant to evidence-based practice: Root causes and constructive remedies
• Testing Standard and Modular Designs for Psychotherapy Treating Depression, Anxiety, and Conduct Problems in Youth
• The effectiveness of psychotherapy: The Consumer Reports study.

Cited by

• Psychotherapy [wikipedia]

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• Expanding the lens of evidence-based practice in psychotherapy: A common factors perspective.