Role of theoretical bias in therapeutic interventions: to see or not to see?

Considering the role of theory in child psychosocial treatment, it is important to acknowledge some of its associated problems. Among the shortcomings of theory discussed in this article are its potential for biasing what we see and do clinically, the arbitrary nature of some theoretical explanations, and the way that theory-based jargon can interfere with communication. A bottom-up approach to the development of clinical principles is advocated instead, especially when these principles are derived from the convergence of clinical observation and research findings.