News: The pursuit of happiness: it's good to talk... or is it? - Independent

The Independent (8 July 2008) reports on the conference of the World Association for Person Centred and Experiential Psychotherapy and Counselling held at the University of East Anglia earlier this week.

The UK government's support of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) over other forms of therapy received criticism.

Professor Mick Cooper, from the University of Strathclyde, released a statement on behalf a group of therapists: "It is scientifically irresponsible to continue to imply and act as though CBT is more effective, as has been done in justifying the expenditure of £173m to train CBT therapists throughout England. Such claims harm the public by restricting patient choice and discourage some psychologically distressed people from seeking treatment. We urge our CBT colleagues and Government officials to refrain from acting on this harmful myth and to broaden the scope of access to include other effective forms of psychotherapy and counselling."

CBT is certainly the flavour of the day as far as government policy is concerned, with UK Health Secretary, Alan Johnson, promising an extra 3,600 CBT therapists from 2010. CBT therapy tends to be short term with the emphasis on changing negative thoughts and behaviour.

Many psychotherapists and counsellors recognise the effectiveness of CBT for addressing specific problems but are concerned about its limited scope.

The UK government's increased funding for psychological services is welcomed but does the concentration on CBT rob clients of longer-term gains through other forms of therapy?

See also the Independent leader piece.