A Case Series of Method of Levels (MOL) Therapy for People Experiencing Psychosis

Psychosis is an enduring and distressing mental illness which can cause high levels of disability. Recommended treatments include antipsychotic medication and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). Antipsychotic drugs cause serious negative side effects which are intolerable for some patients. CBT can be difficult to conduct in the presence of comorbid problems and can be too demanding for some patients. Both medication and CBT sometimes fail to sufficiently reduce the symptoms. Method of Levels (MOL) is a flexible, short-term, cognitive therapy informed by a theory that explains the underpinnings of psychological distress and the mechanisms of action in effective therapy. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the utility of MOL for individuals with non-affective psychosis who are under the care of secondary mental health services. A case series will explore the efficacy of MOL for the levels of symptoms, distress and general functioning. MOL will be offered to 6-8 individuals with psychosis within a flexible appointment scheduling system. Levels of symptoms, distress and general functioning will be measured before and after treatment. Open feedback interviews following the completion of treatment will allow us to evaluate the patients' experience of MOL. The project will provide preliminary data which will inform clinical practice and contribute to large scale research of MOL.