The best kept secret in counseling:: Single-case (N=1) experimental designs

Counselor education has been repeatedly faulted for failing to adequately train counselors in research methodology generally and practice-relevant methods, specifically Continued emphasis and education in the use of group experimental design methodology which is by definition insensitive to the exigencies of everyday practice, will have little effect on counseling practice. It is ironic that single-case (N = 1) design developed for use in practice settings continues to be the "best kept secret" in counseling. Single-case (N = 1) designs offer a scientifically credible means to objectively evaluate practice and conduct clinically relevant research in practice settings. A 7-component model for establishing the use of single-case design research methods in counseling programs is presented.