Regarding the question about evidence–based practices, I am sharing some thoughts regarding our approach to therapy and counselling at Community Keepers. As we continue to refine our methods and frameworks, I believe it’s important to consider the distinction between evidence–based practice and evidence–informed practice.  While evidence–based practice certainly has its merits and provides a solid foundation for many interventions, I’ve come to believe that evidence–informed practice offers a more comprehensive and flexible approach, particularly in our context.

Evidence–informed practice acknowledges the importance of research evidence while also recognizing the value of clinical expertise and client preferences. It allows us to draw from a range of sources, including empirical research, theoretical frameworks, and our own experiences working with clients. This flexibility is especially valuable in community settings like ours, where clients come from diverse backgrounds and present with unique challenges. By embracing evidence–informed practice, we can tailor our interventions more effectively to meet the needs of our clients. Rather than adhering strictly to protocols derived from research studies, we have the flexibility to integrate various approaches and techniques that resonate with the individuals and communities we serve. This approach fosters a sense of collaboration and empowerment, as clients are actively involved in shaping their therapeutic journey.

Additionally, evidence–informed practice allows us to stay responsive to emerging research findings and adapt our methods accordingly. Therapy and counselling are dynamic fields, and what works best for one client or community may not necessarily be applicable in all cases. By staying informed about new developments and trends, we can ensure that our interventions remain relevant and effective over time.

CBT

Motivational Interviewing

It is also important to note that CBT and psychotherapy as pure therapeutic frameworks are not within the scope of practice for registered counsellors and therefore we draw on some of the techniques but do not use the pure framework.  It is also noteworthy that our client base’s (communities), limbic systems are active due to experiences of trauma where approaches like CBT rely on the prefrontal cortex for therapeutic success.  The prefrontal cortex’s function is decreased in the traumatised individual.

In essence, I believe that evidence–informed practice better encapsulates our work at Community Keepers.
Please see attached two articles explaining the value of an evidence–informed practice as well as the link below.