Author: Matías E. Salgado
Abstract
Method of Levels (MOL) is a therapeutic approach based on the direct application of the Perceptual Control Theory (PCT). MOL has the aim to help people shift their awareness to higher-lapproaching-the-past-the-present-and-the-future-in-therapy-the-method-of-levels-mol-perspectiveevel goals which are in conflict, and which maintain psychological distress. This paper aims to make an introduction to the concepts developed by Mansell, Tai, & Carey (2012) about the approach of the past, the present and the future from an MOL therapy perspective. The past can serve as a reference to guide the present. The future allows people to connect with their high-level goals (values, wishes, ideals, goals, etc). In the present is where the control of the experience occurs, and from where people can restore a flexible control of their lives. With the aim of facilitating the comprehension of these conceptualizations, different every-day life examples are presented, sharing clinical examples as well. At the same time, examples of therapeutic interventions to explore the past, present and future from a Method of Levels (MOL) approach in clinical settings are included.
Download article
References
Alsawy, S., Mansell, W., Carey, T. A., McEvoy, P., & Tai, S. J. (2014). Science and practice of transdiagnostic CBT: A perceptual control theory (PCT) approach. International Journal of Cognitive Therapy, 7(4), 334–359. doi:10.1521/ijct.2014.7.4.334
Carey, T. A. (2006). The method of levels: How to do psychotherapy without getting in the way. Hayward, CA: Living Control Systems Publishing.
Marken, R. S., & Mansell, W. (2013). Perceptual control as a unifying concept in psychology. Review of General Psychology: Journal of Division 1, of the American Psychological Association, 17(2), 190–195. doi:10.1037/a0032933
Mansell, W., Tai, S. & Carey, T. (2012). “Using the past, controlling the present, and Living for the future.” In A Transdiagnostic Approach to CBT Using Method of Levels Therapy: Distinctive Features (pp. 83–88). London: Routledge.
Mansell, W. (2018). El Método de Niveles: ¿Es la terapia psicológica disponible más parsimoniosa? Revista de Psicoterapia, 29(110), 7–15.
Tai, S. J. (2016). An introduction to using the method of levels (MOL) therapy to work with people experiencing psychosis. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 70(1), 125–148. doi:10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.2016.70.1.125
Zemeckis R. (Director). (1985). Volver al Futuro (Película). Universal Pictures.
Comments