ECLECTIC APPROACH: a multi-disciplinary team involving at least one therapist and one medical professional who will work together to combine their skills and aid the patient’s progress
In treating disorders, it is common to have many approaches to treatment at the same time.
E.g. Drug treatment, support group, cognitive behavior therapy – all contribute to improving physical and psychological health.
Patients usually go to a therapist, who practice an eclectic approach to therapy, integrating techniques and principles from different systems and theories.
This approach takes into account the strengths and limitations of different therapies in order to tailor sessions that meet the needs of the patient.
The risk of patients stopping taking their medicine is always present in drug treatments because they may feel better (psychologically or physically) or they are experiencing more negative side effects than they can tolerate. Motivation to remain consistent and committed to drug treatment is not very stable. This is especially the case with anti-depressants used to treat depression.
Medication is the fastest way to obtain results, allowing the patient to realize their own state. Once this occurs, psychotherapy can be introduced as the patient is more self-reliant. Example: depressive suicidal patient
Anti-depressants prescribed to patient.
Once they feel better and have more self-control (stabilized), cognitive behavioral therapy can be introduced.
This treatment is long-term and will teach the patient the skills needed to cope with their situation without the need for medication (i.e. avoids the tendency to develop dependency).
As the patient becomes more self-reliant, group therapy can be introduced to increase social support and devise strategies that would avoid drug and psychological relapse in the future.
Strengths of eclectic approach:
It takes into account the strengths and limitations of different therapies, holistic approach
It can be tailored to meet the needs of the patient
Deals with symptoms and causes
Further holistic approach (as etiology may be biological, cognitive and social)
Weaknesses of eclectic approach:
It is difficult to judge the value of each treatment in the eclectic approach – each patient’s symptoms derive from personal issues and cognition, therefore individual differences prevent the possibility to standardize the value of a treatment.
There is less focus on ensuring that one treatment is fully effective (i.e. neglecting details) because therapists can continue using different approaches. This means that there isn’t a clear direction in treatment.
It is also costly to use many different techniques
Cultural differences make it difficult to use the eclectic approach – whilst individualists are more willing to join social support, collectivists are unwilling to express how they feel and may not want any sort of individual exposure with regards to treatment.
Supporting studies: Pampallona et al. (2004) Kirsch et al. (2008) Klerman et al, (1974)