Critical Realism: Why Bother?

Emerging research on the strong relationship between therapeutic outcome and the qualities of the therapist and the therapeutic alliance raises the question of whether issues of epistemology, ontology, or even clinical theory itself really matter. This is tackled head-on with six key arguments for critical realism as a new philosophy of practice for all psychotherapies. A ‘Top Ten’ of limits is tabled, that critical realism—hosting a transdisciplinary approach—might help us to expand beyond. These are seen as risks rather than inevitable impediments. Some apply to specific psychotherapeutic modalities and some to all. Finally, the overall approach of the author is summarised in a single diagram.