Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the treatment of choice for most mental health problems. Each different problem is usually treated by a different model of CBT. Yet evidence tells us that the same processes are responsible for long term distress in us all. This handy manual draws on evidence and theory to provide the key principles to aid change and recovery.

The transdiagnostic approach is supported by a wealth of evidence that processes such as worry, emotion suppression, self-criticism and avoidance maintain distress across psychological disorders. Perceptual Control Theory (PCT) explains all of these processes as forms of ‘inflexible control’, and Method of Levels Therapy (MOL) helps people to let go of these habits. The principles and techniques of MOL are clearly and practically described for clinicians to offer a transdiagnostic CBT that is tailor-made to the goals of each client.

This novel volume will be essential reading for novice and experienced CBT therapists, as well as counsellors and psychotherapists. Its accessible explanation of Perceptual Control Theory and its application to real world problems also makes a useful resource for undergraduates, graduates and researchers in psychology.
Reviews

"It is wonderful to see the clarity and orderliness of thinking in this book, and to recognize my old ideas rejuvenated, expanded, connected to what really goes on in a real psychotherapist's world, and filled with new meanings I never could have anticipated. In the hands of Mansell, Carey, and Tai, Perceptual Control Theory takes on a new life of its own, becomes more mature, better organized, more practical, more inspiring." - Bill Powers, Developer of Perceptual Control Theory, Lafayette, Colorado, USA

"This short book gives an accessible account of the theory and practice of the Method of Levels (MOL), a distinctive and pragmatic approach to psychological therapy. It is simple enough to make you wonder why you didn't think ost, but novel and profound enough to change what you notice and what you do in therapy." - William B. Stiles, Professor Emeritus, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA

"The hallmark of all living things is that they are self-organising to achieve goals – survival and reproduction in the first instance. Goals of course can also be in conflict, creating disorganisation. In this landmark book, Mansell, Carey and Tai describe Perceptual Control Theory to explore these issues and as a way of taking a transdiagnostic and goal-oriented approach to mental health problems and therapy. Highly accessible, and innovative, the book brings many fresh insights to old problems. A book of high quality, scholarship and usefulness, this volume is a delight to read and learn from." - Paul Gilbert, OBE, University of Derby, Fellow of the British Psychological Society, UK

"This book provides an innovative and effective new approach to understanding psychopathology and treatment. Based on Perceptual and...