Misophist - could you elaborate on what you mean when you talk about "most of clinical psychology"? From what I have seen of the doctorate courses in clinical psychology, they seem to have a fairly strong scientific bent. Trainees are expected to be scientifically literate, be able to evaluate evidence with regards to theories and treatments and be able to conduct their own research. The practice of clinical psychology includes standarised assessment of mental state, the use of therapeutic techniques which have been evaluated and shown to be effective - eg CBT for depression, systematic desensitisation for phobias etc. Whilst other therapies are used which have less evidence for their theories, it has been shown that most talking therapies are equally effective. regardless of their theoretical history. This is because there are commonalities to the therapeutic process which is the bit that actually does the good - not the differences in the mode of the therapy.

Bagpuss