Talking therapies is the generic name for the range of psychotherapies. It is a derivative of the talking cure, although less related to one therapy alone, it is a term that does cover psychoanalysis, cognitive behavioural therapy and counselling or counselling psychology approaches.
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Since the mid 1990s the UK,[1] has started to follow the United States example of manualizing approaches to therapy, as some therapeutic approaches have been proven to be significantly more effective than others. This especially true of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This evidence and manualised forms of therapy form the basis of clinical protocols, which are ways to work effectively with specific mental health problems.
In the UK, there have been extensive reviews of research, which has led to specific ways of working with specific problems. Because the development of protocols is sometimes misunderstood as a prescription of what has to be done, this approach has some individuals who object to it.[2] However, the advantages of this method have been stated elsewhere[3] and it is commonly used in the treatment of mental health problems. The majority of stated opinion is that the benefits outweigh the difficulties.
Although the relationship in therapy is often considered to be generally beneficial,[4] specific therapies have been tested for use against specific disorders.
In the UK reviews of evidence has shown that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has a great deal of evidence to support its use, with clear guidelines developed by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence for a number of conditions in which it is recommended.[5] NICE have guidelines for the treatment of anxiety disorders,[6] depression,[7] Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,[8] Bipolar Disorder[9] as well as the less ‘diagnosable’ problems all of which advocate the use of CBT.[10]
The strength of the evidence has led it its substantial roll out under the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies initiative which aims to effectively put in place therapists to delivery the above NICE Guidelines. Parallel to this initiative more detailed clinical guidelines and competencies for CBT have been produced as well as for the other therapies with good evidence.[11][12]
The weight of evidence for CBT has had an effect of shift to clients wanting CBT has also been seen in private organisations, although other talking therapies are developing the evidence for their efficacy.
The range of talking therapies are provided in the UK by the NHS and also privately by specialist services * across the world. They are described in more detail by organisations such as the Mental Health Foundation,[13] or the UK Department of Health.[14]