The relational values of scientific practice - A response to commentaries by Silverman (2000) and Mitchell (2000)

Psychoanalysis should aspire to scientific standards of openness about its evidence and accountability in regard to its assertions. Regardless of the inherent value of rigorous thinking cross-checked through clinical experien ce, it does not replace the need for verification that is independent of pr ivate clinical experience. In the end, psychoanalytic assertions possess li mited credibility without independent verification.