The Take Control Course: Conceptual Rationale for the Development of a Transdiagnostic Group for Common Mental Health Problems

Abstract

Background: Increasingly, research supports the utility of a transdiagnostic understanding of psychopathology. However, there is no consensus regarding the theoretical approach that best explains this. Transdiagnostic interventions can offer service delivery advantages; this is explored in the current review, focusing on group modalities and primary care settings.Objective: This review seeks to explore whether a Perceptual Control Theory (PCT) explanation of psychopathology across disorders is a valid one. Further, this review illustrates the process of developing a novel transdiagnostic intervention (Take Control Course; TCC) from a PCT theory of functioning.Method: Narrative review.Results and Conclusions: Considerable evidence supports key tenets of PCT. Further, PCT offers a novel perspective regarding the mechanisms by which a number of familiar techniques, such as exposure and awareness, are effective. However, additional research is required to directly test the relative contribution of some PCT mechanisms predicted to underlie psychopathology. Directions for future research are considered.

The development and evaluation of the Depth and Duration of Awareness Coding Scheme (D-DACS)

“…We shall explain this theoretical approach to client change, illustrate its relevance to existing conceptualizations, and describe the development and validation of the measure. We propose that the early development of this measure is important to report for a number of reasons: (1) it appears to be the only observer measure available that is exclusively focused on the transtheoretical concept of the client's current awareness (Higginson and Mansell, 2016a); (2) PCT is being increasingly used to inform the development of psychological interventions including Method of Levels therapy (MOL; Carey, 2006; Alsawy et al ., 2014), group courses (Morris et al ., 2016), and digital applications (Gaffney et al ., 2014; Carey et al ., 2016), thereby making it important to build the methodological foundations of how to measure their potential mechanism of change; (3) the measure lends itself to a dynamic graphic representation of client awareness during a session that can be utilized in evaluating MOL and its efficiency at targeting a proposed mechanism of psychological change (see ); and (4) it may promote further research to refine and adapt the measure.…”

A preliminary study of group therapy intervention for bipolar disorder based on the integrative cognitive model

“…The exercises about coping with interpersonal conflicts conducted in the seventh session was also among activities that participants found beneficial. Morris et al (2016) emphasized that contemplating the aspects, which one desires to change in a relationship, is an important step in the right direction. Participants mentioned that thinking about what they value in relationships helped them to become aware of their emotions during conflicts and to respond constructively.…”

Prospective cohort feasibility study of a transdiagnostic group intervention for common mental health problems: The Take Control Course

“…Morris et al . () contains full details of the sessional content, development, and theoretical underpinnings of the TCC. Each session has a theme and includes videos of clients who have accessed either previous interventions within the service or earlier TCC.…”

“…We have previously outlined the conceptual background of the TCC (Morris, Mansell, & McEvoy, ). In summary, based on research into transdiagnostic processes (Harvey, Watkins, Mansell, & Shafran, ; Mansell, Harvey, Watkins, & Shafran, , ), interventions that target these processes may be more flexible to disseminate and utilize than interventions based on disorder‐specific models (McHugh, Murray, & Barlow, ; McManus, Shafran, & Cooper, ).…”