An integrative mechanistic account of psychological distress, therapeutic change and recovery: The Perceptual Control Theory approach

2011 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Higginson ◽  
Warren Mansell ◽  
Alex M. Wood
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Control Theory ◽  
Therapeutic Change ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Perceptual Control Theory ◽  
Perceptual Control

scholarly journals What's therapeutic about the therapeutic relationship? A hypothesis for practice informed by Perceptual Control Theory

2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 47-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy A. Carey ◽  
Rebecca E. Kelly ◽  
Warren Mansell ◽  
Sara J. Tai
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Control Theory ◽  
Therapeutic Relationship ◽  
Learning Processes ◽  
Psychological Processes ◽  
Unconditional Positive Regard ◽  
Perceptual Control Theory ◽  
Perceptual Control ◽  
State Of Mind ◽  
Awareness Raising

AbstractEvidence clearly suggests that the therapeutic relationship is important to successful outcomes in psychotherapy. It is less clear as to why this might be the case. Throughout the literature, various factors such as warmth, empathy, compassion, unconditional positive regard, and openness are identified as key. The way in which factors such as warmth and empathy bring about an amelioration of psychological distress, however, is not entirely obvious. We suggest that one possible mechanism through which these factors become important is by helping to create an environment where clients can examine their problems freely. Furthermore, we propose that when the therapeutic relationship is therapeutic, clients feel comfortable to consider whatever comes into their mind; with any filtering or evaluating happening after the ideas have been expressed, and not before. Psychological processes identified as maintaining psychological distress (e.g. thought suppression, avoidance, rumination) block this capacity. Our suggestion is that as internal experiences are being examined, the client has an opportunity to become aware of facets of the problem that were previously unattended to; and to continue this process outside therapy. Through this awareness-raising process the client's problem can be reorganized via intrinsic learning processes to achieve a more contented state of mind.

Perceptual Control Theory as an integrative framework and Method of Levels as a cognitive therapy: what are the pros and cons?

2008 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 178-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Warren Mansell
Keyword(s):  
Control Theory ◽  
Cognitive Therapy ◽  
Informed Choice ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Present Moment ◽  
Early Theory ◽  
Learn Theory ◽  
Perceptual Control Theory ◽  
Perceptual Control ◽  
Pros And Cons

AbstractThis article considers the pros and cons of using Method of Levels (MOL), a therapy based on Perceptual Control Theory (PCT). Five concerns about PCT are that it is an early theory, is not well known, originates from outside psychology, implies that established theories are inaccurate and has a mechanistic approach. Five positive features are that it explains how ‘control’ works, takes a phenomenological perspective, is grounded in biology, integrates many disciplines and has an evidence base. Five features of MOL can raise caution: it is not well known, emphasizes intrinsic change, requires the therapist to let go of control, concentrate intensively and use alternative evaluations of outcome. There are major advantages: it is a simple process to learn; theory-practice links are clear, it is ‘ultra cognitive therapy’ – focused on the present moment, client-centred and enables shifting in perspective, promotes service empowerment, and has an evidence base. This article will help therapists make an informed choice about using MOL.

PCT and MOL: a brief history of Perceptual Control Theory and the Method of Levels

2009 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 118-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
William T. Powers
Keyword(s):  
Control Theory ◽  
The Past ◽  
Perceptual Control Theory ◽  
Perceptual Control ◽  
History Of

AbstractI have been asked to describe how Perceptual Control Theory (PCT) and Method of Levels (MOL) came into being, and as I approach the age of 82 that seems a prudent request. Some parts of the following should probably be taken more as a reconstruction than a verifiable record of the past, but I will strive for realism.

scholarly journals Adaptation, learning, Bildung: Discussion with edu- and biosemiotics

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 435-451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eetu Pikkarainen
Keyword(s):  
Control Theory ◽  
Biological Species ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Main Form ◽  
Perceptual Control Theory ◽  
Perceptual Control ◽  
Learning And Adaptation ◽  
Adaptation Evolution

Learning and adaptation are central problems to both edusemiotics, or semiotics of education, and biosemiotics. Bildung, as an especially human way or form of learning, and evolution as the main form of adaptation for many biologists after Darwin are often regarded as mutually exclusive concepts even though human beings are undeniably one biological species among others. In this article I will try to build a bridge between the biosemiotical, edusemiotical and Bildung-theoretical stances. Central to this discussion is biosemiotician Kalevi Kull and some of his recent publications where he considers adaptation, evolution and learning. The primary theoretical resource that I utilize here, in addition to the general Greimassian, edusemiotical and Bildung-theoretical starting points, is perceptual control theory (PCT) to which I compare the Uexküllian conception of functional circle.

Using Perceptual Control Theory and the Method of Levels to work with people who experience psychosis

2009 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 227-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara J. Tai
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Control Theory ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Therapeutic Application ◽  
Perceptual Control Theory ◽  
Perceptual Control ◽  
Potential Benefits

AbstractThis paper provides an overview of perceptual control theory (PCT) in relation to understanding severe and enduring mental health problems. The core principles of control and conflict are reviewed in relation to understanding the experiences associated with psychotic disorders. The therapeutic application of PCT known as the Method of Levels (MOL) is described and an overview of how this might be a useful approach to use with people experiencing psychosis is provided. The benefits and difficulties of using MOL to work with people experiencing psychosis are described including case illustrations of preliminary work based on the application of MOL in clinical practice. It is concluded that PCT is a useful framework for understanding severe and enduring mental health problems and there are potential benefits in using MOL as a therapeutic intervention. Further research examining the effectiveness and feasibility of MOL as a specific treatment for psychosis is recommended.

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