Psychotherapeutic interventions and contemporary developments: common and specific factors

SUMMARY In this article we start with the effectiveness paradox between different psychotherapeutic modalities, considering common factors, before moving on to give a brief overview of the three main psychotherapeutic approaches – psychoanalytic, cognitive–behavioural and humanistic – and their developments. We conclude that it is the therapeutic relationship – considered in the context of the above – that is core to all therapeutic engagement, medical or otherwise. LEARNING OBJECTIVES • Refresh knowledge of three main psychotherapies • Understand the equivalence paradox: common and specific factors • Understand the development of contemporary psychotherapeutic approaches DECLARATION OF INTEREST None