A critical analysis of directive counselling as a component of tinnitus retraining therapy

Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) has been presented as a new approach to tinnitus management. In this paper a number of theoretical and practical problems with TRT are identified. These problems relate to the distinction between directive counselling and cognitive therapy, the adequacy of the cognitive therapy components, the nature of the outcome data which have been presented to date, the theoretical basis for the treatment, and the conceptual clarity of terms such as perception, attention and coping. The stated goal of removal of the perception of tinnitus may lead to confusion about the likely outcome of TRT for most patients. Methodological limitations in the research which has been published to date preclude any claims about the efficacy of TRT at the present time. It is suggested that randomized, controlled studies which include no-treatment and placebo conditions need to be undertaken. Studies are required in which the efficacy of the counselling and white noise components can be clearly isolated. Suggestions are made about the role of psychologists and non-psychologists in the provision of counselling and cognitive therapy services to tinnitus patients.