Common factors and specific effects.

Abstract

Weinberger presents a number of reasoned arguments to explore the nature of common factors in psychotherapy among different theoretical approaches. While it is apparent that common factors are both inconsistently described and often ignored as one looks at various approaches, I contend that there are some unrecognized common elements. The attempt to derive a common list ignores both the different ways that these factors may develop and the variable interaction that may characterize each factor's impact across different theories. Moreover, Weinberger's suggestion that the technical eclectic movement lacks a theoretical base is erroneous. Rather than being a weakness, the absence of a single theory of pathology and change is the strength of technical eclectic approaches.