A process-focused case series of a school-based intervention aimed at giving young people choice and control over their attendance and their goals in therapy

ABSTRACT

This study investigated clinical and process factors involved in a client-led psychological intervention (Method of Levels therapy – MOL). MOL offered 16 adolescents choice and control over attendance (by using a self-booking system) and topics discussed in sessions. Process measures examining empowerment and ability to resolve psychological conflict were used to explore the impact MOL might have on these. Young people booked a wide-ranging number of sessions at differing intervals and set goals related to their emotional or mental wellbeing. On completion, the majority of adolescents displayed an increase in scores for empowerment and ability to resolve psychological conflict and overall distress levels decreased. Benefits were sustained two months after completion of the study.

KEYWORDS:

• Choice
• control
• method of levels
• empowerment
• reorganisation of conflict

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Susan McCormack, founder and director of MODE Rehabilitation who formed the initial relationship with the school where the study took place. The authors are also grateful to all the young people that took part in this study and the school staff (particularly Mr. Pete Whitehead and the pastoral team) that supported and facilitated the project. Finally, they would like to thank Prof. Tim Carey for his support with the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anamaria Churchman

Anamaria Churchman has recently completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Manchester, UK. Her research has focused on developing and exploring the feasibility and acceptability of a PCT informed psychological intervention for young people in a school setting.

Warren Mansell

Warren Mansell is a Reader in Clinical Psychology at the University of Manchester, UK. His research focuses on psychological approaches to bipolar disorder, transdiagnostic interventions for mental health problems, and Perceptual Control Theory.

Sara Tai

Dr Sara Tai is a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at the University of Manchester, UK, and Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Cheadle Royal Hospital and Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Her research focuses on the science and practice of psychological interventions, including cognitive theory and interventions for people experiencing psychosis and mood swings. She has an international reputation as a trainer in CBT and is currently involved in clinical trials and experimental research developing psychological interventions for psychosis and bipolar disorders in the UK, Europe, USA and China.