Manualizing flexibility: the training of eclectic therapists

Abstract

Manualized training has become the standard for psychotherapy research and is rapidly becoming adopted in clinical and counseling psychology training programs. However, it is still unclear whether manualization improves outcomes, and there is evidence that manualized training reduces nonspecific therapist qualities and attenuates clinical judgment. Prescriptive and integrative models of psychotherapy are designed to increase therapist flexibility. This article describes some current and anticipated efforts to teach therapists to flexibly use therapeutic procedures without losing some of the advantages of manualization.