Psychotherapy : a hyper complex process

Psychotherapy is a hyper-complex process whose individual components can be investigated and understood with appropriate research methods. To determine evidence for the potential of a specific form of psychotherapy, the unilateral requirement to perform randomized controlled trials is insufficient. The wider concept of evidence introduced by Cochrane, takes into account the scientific studies as well as clinical competence of the practitioners and the preferences of the patient, thus, allowing the differentiated perspective on the treatment of individual patients. The pros and cons of evidence-based practice and research are discussed and alternatives are described that illuminate psychotherapeutic change processes. Still too little is known about the different developments of individual patients and the relevant variables for change processes within the patient.