Eclectic therapy approach

What is “Eclectic?”
(as in an ECLECTIC approach in therapy)

 Definition (Encarta Dictionary)

1.      varied – made up of parts from various sources (such as an eclectic collection of paintings)
2.      choosing what is best or preferred from a variety of sources or styles (such as an eclectic taste in music)
        Synonym:  diverse, extensive, wide-ranging, assorted

 Two articles that use and discuss an eclectic therapy approach: 

1)       Livesley, J. (2008). Integrated therapy for complex cases of personality disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 64(2), 207-221. doi:10.1002/jclp.20453

Abstract:  In this article, the author presents and illustrates the treatment of a patient with dependent and borderline personality disorders and other maladaptive traits using an integrated and eclectic approach tailored to the patient's psychopathology and personality. Interventions are selected where possible based on evidence of what works. However, because empirical evidence on treatment efficacy for personality disorder is limited, interventions were often selected based on a rational analysis of the most effective way to treat a given problem. The delivery of an eclectic array of interventions was integrated and coordinated through an emphasis on generic methods and on a phases of change model that targets symptoms and problems in a systematic way based on evidence of the stability of symptoms and personality.

2)       Lancaster, G., Keusch, S., Levin, A., Pring, T., & Martin, S. (2010). Treating children with phonological problems: does an eclectic approach to therapy work?. International Journal Of Language & Communication Disorders, 45(2), 174-181. doi:10.3109/13682820902818888

Abstract:  Background: A survey of clinicians made by Joffe and Pring in 2008 revealed that different approaches exist between researchers and clinicians in the treatment of children with phonological problems. Researchers have examined specific approaches to treatment often giving substantial amounts of therapy and have obtained encouraging results; clinicians, with less time available, often use an eclectic approach mixing different treatment methods. The reasons for this difference are discussed.
       Aims: We examined the effectiveness of an eclectic approach giving amounts of therapy more consistent with clinical practice and involving parents in treating their children.
       Methods & Procedures: We report two small experiments conducted within Speech and Language Therapy clinics.  In the first, a group of treated children are compared with a group of children whose treatment is delayed. Parents attended therapy sessions and were given homework tasks to do with their children. The second compared children treated as in the first experiment with children treated at home by their parents who had attended training sessions and with untreated children.
       Outcomes & Results: In the first experiment, a general trend towards improvement was seen in all children. Change during treatment periods was statistically significant. In the second experiment, children treated by therapists showed strongly significant gains. Lesser but significant gains were made by children treated by their parents; no change was found in untreated children.
       Conclusions & Implications: The findings offer encouragement to clinicians who use an eclectic approach and who are only able to offer limited amounts of therapy. They also suggest that parental involvement is helpful. However, we find the current incompatibility of research and clinical work worrying and a hindrance to our efforts to understand and treat these children.
       What this paper adds:  Phonological impairment in children has been a particularly active research area with many authors advocating, and in some cases, assessing the effects of different forms of therapy. However, there is evidence that clinicians are largely unwilling to commit to one method and use an eclectic approach which combines therapy techniques from different sources. It is important that this approach is shown to be effective. We report two small experiments which obtain positive results for the method and which suggest that a larger and better controlled study should be undertaken.

                                                          (prepared by Mary R. Noble, PhD; Dec. 2011)