Psychotherapy research is undoubtedly one of the most puzzling, diverse,
com- plex, controversial, and multidimensional areas tackled by clinical
psycholo- gists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric social workers. The
numerous theoretical, methodological, and clinical-research issues dealt
with by workers in the field have increased exponentially in the past
three decades. To do full justice to the area, monographs in each of the
specific subareas would be warranted. In this volume, we, as editors,
have endeavored to present the student and interested professional and
practitioner with an understanding of the most salient issues and trends
confronted by the psychotherapy researcher. In order to accomplish this
task, we asked our colleagues, who are experts in their respective
areas, to share their current thinking with us and with you, the read-
ers. Thus, many theoretical viewpoints are represented, with none having
a monopoly over the others. This is as it should be, given the data
collected by clinical researchers at this time. We have also attempted
to capture the excite- ment that has permeated the field in the past 30
years or so.