Implementation clauses for effectiveness studies in psychotherapeutic research of accredited methods of the Swiss Charter for Psychotherapy

Abstract

The Swiss Charter for Psychotherapy is an aggregation of the most important analytical, humanist and body-psychotherapeutic methods. Since 1997, delegates of the educational institutes meet regularly for scientific exchange. Thereby, the “Declaration of the Swiss Charter for Psychotherapy Concerning the Concept of and Requirements for the Scientific Evaluation of Psychotherapeutic Methods" was created. The present publication complements the declaration with regard to the necessary methods for effectiveness studies in psychotherapeutic research. The recognition as scientific method by the Swiss Charter for Psychotherapy requires that at least two research designs provided evidence of effectiveness. Quantitative empirical studies have to be carried out in a naturalistic design under field conditions. Qualitative empirical studies have to contain typifying case studies. An optimal design combines quantitative and qualitative research.

Keywords Heterogeneous mix of methods; Quality control; Professional development; Process of dialogue; Self-organisation; Scientific basis; Psychotherapy research