Friday, December 12, 2008

"Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch'intrate..."

Empirical literature isn't making a perpetual distinction between cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure and response prevention. Some clinicians classify exposure and response prevention as a separate empirically-based therapeutic approach from cognitive-behavioral therapy which is also considered an evidence-based practice. Conversely, many clinicians claim that the theoretical domain of cognitive-behavioral therapy is broad enough to include exposure and response prevention. This lack of consistent consensus makes it difficult for a researcher to identify meta-analyses which are the industry standard if he is trying to write a term paper on the effectiveness of a certain method as an intervention. One meta-analysis is for the latter and another is for the former. In other words, does CT=CBT=EX/RP or is EX/RP > CBT which may or may not be CT?
Welcome to the newest circle of hell. Glad you could make it.
I can't wait for school to be out.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

The Advent Calendar

On December 1, it seemed wildly befitting that we should address one of my still-favorite holiday traditions. However, the 1st has come and gone...but it's not too late! The Advent Calendar: a most blessed of observances. This is as close as we get to a real, live Santa Claus: in addition to the childhood nostalgia, the idea of a mysterious man, making special treats or prizes to be discovered one-by-one each day! Or, in the case of our Advent Calendar, a mysterious factory-working-man-in-China making special little waxy chocolate toys! A delight, nonetheless. Let the countdown begin!