In the realm of psychology, the evolution of therapeutic practices is guided by rigorous research, ethical standards, and a commitment to patient well-being. Over time, certain psychological therapies have been discredited or banned due to evidence of ineffectiveness, ethical concerns, or harmful effects. This article explores some of these controversial practices, the reasons behind their prohibition or discreditation, and the importance of ethical and evidence-based approaches in psychological treatment.

Recovered Memory Therapy (RMT) involves techniques purported to recover repressed memories of traumatic events, often of childhood abuse. However, RMT has been highly controversial due to the suggestibility of memory and the potential for creating false memories. Numerous cases have been reported where individuals, influenced by therapeutic suggestions, falsely remembered traumatic events that never occurred. The British Psychological Society has cautioned against the use of suggestive techniques that could lead to false memories, emphasizing the need for practices grounded in reliable evidence (British Psychological Society, 2000).

Developed by Arthur Janov in the 1970s, Primal Therapy is based on the concept that repressed pains from childhood traumas can be brought to consciousness and resolved through reliving the experience and expressing the resulting pain through primal screams. Despite its popularity in the 1970s, Primal Therapy has been criticized for lack of scientific evidence supporting its efficacy and concerns over the emotional distress it can cause. The American Psychological Association has not endorsed this therapy due to the absence of empirical support (APA, n.d.).

The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program, though not a therapy, was a widely implemented educational program aimed at preventing drug use in children and adolescents. Despite its good intentions, multiple evaluations, including a report by the U.S. General Accounting Office (2003), have found it to be ineffective in reducing drug use. Critics argue that DARE’s fear-based approach and lack of engagement with the complexities of drug addiction contribute to its ineffectiveness.

Attachment Therapy is a controversial group of therapies designed to treat attachment disorders, often involving physical restraint and sometimes provoking distress in the child to break down supposed resistance to attachment. These practices have been widely criticized for being unscientific and potentially harmful. The tragic case of Candace Newmaker, who died during an Attachment Therapy session, brought significant attention to the dangers of such practices. Consequently, several U.S. states have legislated against the use of dangerous techniques associated with Attachment Therapy (Mercer, 2003).

The banning or criticism of these therapies underscores the critical importance of adhering to evidence-based practices in psychology. Therapeutic interventions should be supported by robust scientific research demonstrating their safety and efficacy. Additionally, ethical considerations must guide the development and implementation of therapies to protect the well-being and rights of patients.

As the field of psychology continues to advance, it is imperative that professionals remain committed to practices that are both scientifically valid and ethically sound, ensuring the best outcomes for those seeking mental health support.

Aversive conditioning techniques were once used to treat various addictions and deviant behaviors by pairing undesirable behaviors with unpleasant stimuli, such as electric shocks or nausea-inducing drugs. However, the ethical implications and the psychological harm caused by such treatments, including increased anxiety and aversion to therapy itself, have led to their disuse and condemnation in therapeutic settings (Lilienfeld, 2007).

Facilitated communication (FC) was introduced as a communication technique for individuals with autism and other developmental disorders who are non-verbal. It involves a facilitator assisting the individual to communicate using a keyboard or other devices. However, subsequent research, including controlled studies, revealed that the messages produced through FC were often generated by the facilitators themselves, rather than the individuals with disabilities (Mostert, 2001). The technique has been discredited due to the lack of evidence supporting its efficacy and the potential for misuse and harm.

The banning and discreditation of these therapies underscore the importance of evidence-based practice and ethical considerations in psychology. Therapeutic approaches must be supported by robust scientific evidence demonstrating their efficacy and safety. Furthermore, they must adhere to ethical principles, ensuring that they respect the dignity, rights, and welfare of those receiving treatment.

The move away from discredited therapies towards evidence-based practices reflects the psychological field’s commitment to continual improvement, grounded in research and ethical standards. It highlights the necessity of ongoing scrutiny, research, and professional development to ensure that psychological treatments remain effective, ethical, and beneficial for all individuals.

The discreditation and banning of certain psychological therapies serve as a reminder of the critical importance of basing psychological interventions on solid scientific evidence and ethical principles. As the field of psychology continues to evolve, it must remain vigilant in identifying and addressing practices that do not meet these criteria, ensuring that the well-being of patients is always the foremost priority.

• Lilienfeld, S.O. (2007). Psychological treatments that cause harm. Perspectives on Psychological Science.
• Mostert, M.P. (2001). Facilitated communication since 1995: A review of published studies. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
• British Psychological Society. (2000). Recovered Memories. The British Psychological Society.
• American Psychological Association (APA), n.d. Psychotherapies.
• U.S. General Accounting Office. (2003). Youth Illicit Drug Use Prevention: DARE Long-Term Evaluations and Federal Efforts to Identify Effective Programs.
• Mercer, J. (2003). Child Fatalities From Religion-motivated Medical Neglect. Child Healthcare Is a Legal Duty Newsletter.

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