Method of Levels: Is it the Most Parsimonious Psychological Therapy Available?

In this article, I will introduce Method of Levels (MOL; Carey, 2006) therapy as onesimple solution to many of the issues and complexities of mental health provision aroundthe world. First, I will try to explain that the issues surrounding helping people withmental health problems and experiencing chronic psychological distress can be helpedthrough three comprehensive exercises in the integration of the scientific literature: (1)to integrate psychological processes across mental health disorders; (2) to integratepsychological processes into a single core process; and (3) to integrate theories guidingpsychological therapies into a unified theoretical account. Second, I will describe theprinciples of a theory – perceptual control theory (PCT; Powers, 1973) – that providesa unified account of psychological functioning. These principles are control, conflictand reorganisation. Third, I will explain briefly how to deliver the therapy that followsfrom these principles – MOL. Fourth, I will summarise evidence for the benefits of MOLand its mechanism of change. Finally, I will set forth a vision for how PCT could guidethe future of mental health services