CAGE UP DODO, PLEASE! THE TALE OF ALL PSYCHOTHERAPIES BEING EQUALLY EFFECTIVE

Abstract

The Dodo bird verdict states that when the psychotherapies are compared with each other they yield similar outcomes, which is consistent with the view that common factors are the most potent ingredients for producing the benefits of psychotherapy. This paper reviews the debate around the issue, highlights some caveats in the conclusions that can be drawn from it, and discusses, with recognition of the weaknesses of the research in this field, the reasons for the debate still being alive today. Finally, a number of suggestions are offered with regards to how this can contribute to research and to patient care.

Keywords

• Dodo bird verdict
• Treatment equivalence
• Meta-analysis
• Psychotherapy research
• Common factors.