Eclecticism is a complex set of structures and conceptions. Unsystematic eclecticism and integrationism are based mainly upon personal preference and subjective judgement, whereas systematic, prescriptive (technical) eclecticism is guided by the impact of patient qualities, clinical skills, and specific techniques. Fusionists arbitrarily blend what they consider helpful ingredients from two seemingly disparate orientations and end up in theoretical and clinical dead ends. Eventually, a unified theory is called for, together with a superordinate structure that will reconcile divergent points of view (integrationism). Nevertheless, our current pre-paradigmatic level ofunder-standing precludes such a synthesis at present. To pretend otherwise only breeds confusion worse confounded. Meanwhile, a problem-focused approach to therapy is recommended, one that eschews general labels and tries to reach consensus on the specification of goals, problems, strategies, and systematic measurements (technical eclecticism). Integrationists seem to have overlooked the false conclusions of meta-analysis and contend that all treatment outeomes are similar. We are now in a position to recommend specific treatments for specific problems. To ignore technique specificity is a serious breach of professional responsibility.
Tijdschrift beschrijving