Is the Dodo bird a Jedi or a Sith? A commentary of efficacy across therapeutic modalities

Abstract

In this paper we discuss the issue of the Dodo verdict, i.e. the empirically supported notion that different psychotherapeutic modalities have the same outcomes. Firstly, we present the historical background of this notion and link it with the current issues in psychotherapy. Next, we present the pertinent literature which focuses on the similarities and differences in outcomes across modalities, as well as elucidate the recognised effective instances in psychotherapy such as effects of the client, therapist and their interaction. Additionally, we discuss the trends in efficacy research and posit questions about the nature of the theory and practice of psychotherapy. We also provide a critique, elucidate the potential problems and offer different perspectives on the importance and meaning of the Dodo conjecture, concerning both therapeutic and extra – therapeutic consequences and correlates.

Keywords

• Psychotherapy
• Efficacy
• Dodo verdict