Jul 7 2008
According to experts the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a myth, and it is in no way superior to other methods.
CBT has its base in dealing with the "here and now" problems and difficulties in life rather than trolling through a person's past - it also looks at changing how somebody thinks and changing their behaviour.
Plans that the British Government has earmarked £173m to fund an increase in the number of cognitive behavioural therapists available on the National Health Service (NHS) have been met with some scorn by delegates at an international counselling conference.
Researchers attending the conference at the University of East Anglia (UEA) say it was commonly believed CBT was superior to other methods but this could be because there are more published studies on CBT than any other therapy.
They say CBT has not been proven to be better than other therapies and such perceptions could mislead the public and harm patient care.
Professors Mick Cooper and Robert Elliott, from the University of Strathclyde, William B Stiles from Miami University and Art Bohart, from Saybrook Graduate School in San Francisco, have suggested that the government, the public and even many health officials have been sold a version of the scientific evidence that is not based in fact, but is instead based on a logical error.
They say the continual emphasis on the amount of evidence cited by CBT advocates is misunderstood by the public, other health care workers and government officials, and this misunderstanding is allowed to persist without correction.
The experts say the result is a widespread belief that no-one takes responsibility for, in other words, a myth.
The scientists say a meta-analysis of more than 80 studies revealed that 'person-centred' and psychodynamic therapies were just as effective as other forms, including CBT.
NHS advisors recommended CBT for depression and anxiety in 2004 but the experts say a the multi-million pound strategy to increase access to psychological therapies in England is flawed.
Professor Cooper, an expert in counselling at the University of Strathclyde, told the conference the focus on CBT was not logical and scientifically irresponsible and when resources are limited the NHS should focus on treatments that have established efficacy.