Problematising social context in evidence-based therapy evaluation practice/governance

Abstract

This book chapter gives a critical overview of evidence-based psychotherapy evaluation. Drawing from the critical-historical and discursive perspective of governmentality, this chapter examines a contemporary history of psychotherapy evaluation by looking at the empirically validated/supported treatment and evidence-based practice movements. In framing psychotherapy evaluation as a governing practice, one that is reinforced through policy documents and discourse, this chapter argues that evidence-based therapy evaluation can decontextualise the client through manualisation, experimental methodolatry and medical objectification. Evidence-based practice also enables new possibilities of evaluation. The implications of evidence-based therapy evaluation are discussed in relation to the discursive therapies