Final answer:
Critiques in the 1950s and 60s, including those from E. Fuller Torrey and feminist scholars like Naomi Weisstein, catalyzed research into the effectiveness of psychotherapy, leading to a shift towards evidence-based practices within the field.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scathing rebuke of psychotherapy in the 1950s and 60s that triggered research into its effectiveness can be credited to multiple sources of criticism, including professionals within the field who questioned the empirical foundation of therapeutic practices, leading to a movement towards evidence-based approaches. Notably, scholars like E. Fuller Torrey challenged the commonalities between traditional healing methods and modern psychotherapy, suggesting a need to critically evaluate the efficacy of psychotherapeutic interventions.
Feminist criticisms, such as those from Naomi Weisstein, also played a crucial role in critiquing psychology, including psychotherapy, and prompting further research and development in the field. This led to an increase in research to establish the effectiveness of various therapies, including the development of evidence-based practices that are still prominent today.
It's important to recognize the historical context in which these critiques arose. The period post-World War II and during the 1960s was characterized by social change movements, which also influenced the mental health arena. This paved the way for more rigorous scientific examination and evidence-based reforms in psychotherapy.