What Is the Common Ground for Modern Psychotherapy? A Discussion Paper Based on EACLIPT’s 1st Webinar

Authors

  • Stefan G. Hofmann Orcid
    Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
  • Jacques P. Barber Orcid
    Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology, Adelphi University in Garden City, New York, NY, USA
  • Paul Salkovskis Orcid
    Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
  • Bruce E. Wampold Orcid
    Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, USA
  • Winfried Rief Orcid
    Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
  • Anne-Catherine I. Ewen Orcid
    Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
  • Leonora Nina Schäfer Orcid
    Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany

Abstract

Psychotherapy as it is implemented today, can be seen as the composition of unconnected groups of practitioners and scientists pursuing different theories. The idea of finding a common “umbrella” for all evidence-based treatments in the field of psychotherapy is gaining more interest. Based on this background, experts in clinical psychology from various backgrounds led a fundamental discussion about modern psychotherapy and its basic mechanisms. Process-Based Therapy (PBT) was presented by Stefan Hofmann as a possible novel approach to clinical research and practice. In this article we present the different perspectives of the four panelists on PBT and in how far the model builds a common ground for different treatment approaches. Learning mechanisms and the therapeutic alliance were almost unanimously considered as indispensable factors in a global model of psychotherapy. In conclusion, the panelists emphasized a much-needed focus on characteristics and competencies of therapists themselves e.g., in communication, listening and empathy. These core competencies should be trained and promoted independently of the therapeutic approach.