DISCOVER ▶ CONTROL MASTERY 101
Control Mastery 101
Control-mastery theory (CMT) is not another brand of therapy advocating a prescribed set of therapy techniques.
CMT provides a framework for understanding how and why psychological problems develop and how patients work in psychotherapy to overcome them.
The Personalized Psychotherapy Institute prides itself as the education wing and training platform for The San Francisco Psychotherapy Group (SFPRG), an organization of researchers and practitioners that has been working and publishing in this line of study for over 50 years.
While we provide a brief outline of CMT below, our Publication & Measures page links to several books, numerous book chapters, and hundreds of journal articles on CMT, its clinical applications, and evidence for the theory. Our Educational Videos Library also highlights videos from SFPRG researchers and PPI educators.
Interested in learning even more?
In addition to our training opportunities, we offer a free e-book with the five best articles summarizing Control-Mastery Theory and plan formulation, for those eager to explore what CMT is all about!
Access your copy of the PPI CMT e-Book here!
Control Mastery Theory (CMT) derives its name from two foundational premises:
That a person’s control over their mental life is regulated by subjective feelings and perceptions of safety and danger
That patients come to therapy in order to achieve mastery over their problems and conflicts
The theory assumes that patients are highly motivated - both consciously and unconsciously -to solve their problems, rid themselves of symptoms, and pursue important life goals (such as a sense of well-being, a satisfying relationship, or a meaningful career.)
Pathogenic beliefs or schemas create conflict for patients in their pursuit of these goals, as they warn the patient that moving toward their goals will endanger themselves or their loved ones.
Therefore, patients come to therapy with a plan - though often unconsciously - to disconfirm their pathogenic beliefs and work to change these beliefs. Patients test their pathogenic beliefs in therapy, hoping that the therapist will pass their tests (i.e., disconfirm their pathogenic beliefs).
Ideally, patients can use the therapeutic relationship and provided clinical interventions to realize that their pathogenic beliefs are maladaptive and a poor guide to behavior.