Manual-based treatment Part 2: The advantages of manual-based practice in psychotherapy.

Although treatment manuals have existed for many years, controversy surrounds their use and dissemination. In a previous article, we addressed assets and liabilities of using empirically supported treatments (ESTs) in psychotherapy, as well as obstacles to disseminating such treatments. In this article, we argue that using EST aids clinical work and is ethically sound. At the same time, we draw attention to problems that may arise for the field at large in implementing ESTs. Finally, we address reasons some clinicians are reluctant to use ESTs.