[Using integrative approaches in psychotherapy].

Abstract

Surveys on both sides of the Atlantic show that eclecticism and integrative approaches in psychotherapy enjoy growing popularity. At the same time the idea of integration still meets with major resistance in schools of psychotherapy and training institutions, as well as in clinics. Therefore it not seems the right time to inquire into the usefulness of eclectic and integrative approaches. After a conceptual clarification this paper looks for criteria for the usefulness of such approaches and for empirical work establishing it, as well as for the conditions needed for such approaches to be useful. It is concluded that there are several reasons for, and hints at the usefulness of integrative approaches, but not yet many empirical validations. Recent empirical research, however, clearly shows that for certain patients and certain disorders and problems combined treatments are the treatments of choice, and that further research as well as better training in differential diagnostics and in combined treatments are not only of major interest to the patient and the therapists but are also feasible.