A school-based feasibility study of method of levels: a novel form of client-led counselling

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a novel psychological therapy (Method of Levels) amongst adolescents experiencing psychological distress. An initial estimated effect size and a clinical significance analysis were undertaken which will help inform future studies. A case-series of 16 participants utilised the YP-CORE as a primary outcome measure. Data was collected at baseline, on completion of therapy (six months) and two and four months after completion of the therapy. Young people used a self-booking system to access sessions. Additionally, young people had full control over the content and length of the sessions. A total of 14 participants reported that the therapy was acceptable to them and 12 participants were retained for the entire course of the study. The self-booking system was successfully used with young people attending on average 6–8 sessions. Analysis of clinically significant change for the YP-CORE at therapy completion indicated that five students recovered and seven experienced no change; this was largely maintained at follow up. Effect size estimations were medium-to-large. Initial findings suggest that Method of Levels is a feasible and acceptable form of counselling for young people within the school setting. Moreover, positive preliminary effectiveness outcomes suggest that a randomised control study should be considered.

KEYWORDS:

• Perceptual control theory
• client-led scheduling
• control
• choice
• psychotherapy
• adiagnostic

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to put on record their thanks to Susan McCormack, founder and director of MODE Rehabilitation who formed the initial relationship with the School where the study took place. Susan also provided ongoing support throughout the life of the project. The authors are also grateful to the participants that took part in this study and the school staff (particularly Mr Pete Whitehead and the pastoral team) that supported 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 authors.

Availability of Data

The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request

Additional information

Funding

The project did not receive any internal or external funding. The PhD student self-funded the research project.