There is a need for clear definitions of psychotherapeutic techniques in order to allow for proper evaluation and application of the process of brief psychotherapy. The literature is reviewed on five technical factors germane to brief dynamic psychotherapy: time, activity, focus, transference and termination. With the exception of Malan's (1963, 1976a) finding of the efficacy of therapist-parent interpretations there are no replicated data available to support the use of any particular technique. This lack of supporting evidence may reflect insufficient specificity and definition in the use of brief psychotherapy, and an excessively generalised approach to research.
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