Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: The Truth Behind the Allegations

In response to several pejorative statements about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in a recent issue of Psychotherapy (Silverman, 1999), a point by point counter argument to these criticisms are presented. Among other contentions, Silverman (1999) disparaged empirically validated methods as being simplistic and scientifically impoverished. The validity of these statements are challenged and empirical evidence is presented to support each counter argument. The efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for a broad range of disturbances and presenting problems is presented. The future of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other empirically validated protocols are discussed, as well as recommendations for their use.