Method of Levels therapy for psychosis

Abstract

The aim of this thesis was to explore potential effectiveness of Method of Levels (MOL) therapy for people experiencing psychosis. The thesis consists of three papers. Paper one is a systematic literature review of client-led appointment scheduling in psychological therapies. The narrative synthesis of results of 16 studies revealed that when clients schedule their own appointments, the majority attend a smaller number of sessions (between one and seven on average) than the number of sessions offered by the services; non-attendance rates are lower compared to interventions with prescribed numbers of sessions; therapy reduces symptoms; and clients perceive the interventions as useful. Paper two is an empirical investigation of potential effectiveness of MOL therapy for people experiencing psychosis. A case series of MOL therapy was conducted with six participants with psychosis in secondary mental health care. Participants were offered therapy within a three-month timeframe, during which they were in charge of scheduling their own appointments and deciding on the content of sessions. An A-B with follow-up design was employed. Participants attended eight sessions of therapy on average. Analysis of reliable and clinically significant change indicated that five out of six participants improved and four recovered, as measured by Outcome Rating Scale, although four participants showed improvement before therapy commencedThere was little evidence of change in the measure of psychotic symptoms. The findings of this case series suggest that MOL therapy can be useful to people experiencing psychosis. Paper three is a critical reflection on the work involved in the completion of this research project. It expands on the details and decision-making processes, and discusses the strengths, limitations, and implications of the project. Paper three concludes with personal reflection on the current research study.

Date of Award	31 Dec 2020
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Sara Tai (Supervisor) & Jasper Palmier-Claus (Supervisor)