Case Formulation for Personality Disorders provides clinical guidance on how to build effective treatment plans for patients presenting with personality disorders. Anchored within a disorder-specific approach, the present volume reviews the evidence base of case formulation methodology. The book takes an integrative and differentiated approach to case formulation, with multiple methods of case formulation, all specifically adapted to the psychotherapy of personality disorders, illustrated with many case examples. - Provides individualized assessment and measurement in practice - Uses 18 case formulation methods for treating personality disorders - Identifies evidence-based effective treatment - Includes real life case examples

What kinds of questions do experienced clinicians ask themselves when meeting a new client for the first time? What are the main issues that must be explored to gain a basic grasp of each individual's unique psychology? How can clinical expertise be taught? From the author of Psychoanalytic Diagnosis, the volume takes clinicians step-by-step through developing a dynamic case formulation and using this information to guide and inform treatment decisions. Synthesizing extensive clinical literature, diverse psychoanalytic viewpoints, and empirical research in psychology and psychiatry, Nancy McWilliams does more than simply bring assessment to life - she illuminates the entire psychotherapeutic process.

A major contribution for all clinicians committed to understanding and using what really works in therapy, this book belongs on the desks of practitioners, students, and residents in clinical psychology, psychiatry, counseling, and social work. It will serve as a text in graduate-level courses on cognitive-behavior therapy and in clinical practica.

Now in a significantly revised third edition featuring 60% new material, this is the authoritative clinical reference and course text on a crucial psychotherapy skill. Leading practitioners of major psychotherapies describe step by step how to construct sound case formulations and use them to guide individualized treatment. Following a standard format, chapters cover the historical background of each case formulation approach, its conceptual framework and evidence base, multicultural considerations, steps in implementation, application to treatment planning and practice, and training resources. Rich case material includes examples of completed formulations. New to This Edition *Chapters on additional models: mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, couple therapy, and thematic mapping. *Chapters on specific approaches for personality disorders, suicidality, and panic disorder. *Expanded case examples now go beyond crafting the initial formulation to show how it shapes the entire course of therapy. *Prior-edition chapters are all updated or rewritten to reflect 15 years of advances in research, clinical practice, and training.

Presenting an innovative framework for tailoring cognitive-behavioral interventions to each client's needs, this accessible book is packed with practical pointers and sample dialogues. Step by step, the authors show how to collaborate with clients to develop and test conceptualizations that illuminate personal strengths as well as problems, and that deepen in explanatory power as treatment progresses. An extended case illustration demonstrates the three-stage conceptualization process over the entire course of therapy with a multiproblem client. The approach emphasizes building resilience and coping while decreasing psychological distress. Special features include self-assessment checklists and learning exercises to help therapists build their conceptualization skills.

Integrating recent research and developments in the field, this revised second edition introduces an easy-to-master strategy for developing and writing culturally sensitive case conceptualizations and treatment plans. Concrete guidelines and updated case material are provided for developing conceptualizations for the five most common therapy models: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic, Biopsychosocial, Adlerian, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. The chapters also include specific exercises and activities for mastering case conceptualization and related competencies and skills. Also new to this edition is a chapter on couple and family case conceptualizations, and an emphasis throughout on trauma. Practitioners, as well as graduate students in counseling and in clinical psychology, will gain the essential skills and knowledge they need to master case conceptualizations.

This is a thorough and well-structured piece of work, which brings in the recent work of excellent authorities such as Barbara Ingram. It is well arranged, with many examples and case vignettes, which bring the material to life in an engaging way. I enjoyed reading it, and would recommend it unreservedly.’ John Rowan, humanistic therapist, private practice ‘This is a must-read book for students on courses in counselling, psychotherapy, clinical psychology and psychiatry.’ Heather Fowlie, Head of the Transactional Analysis Department, Metanoia Institute, London Conducting a competent assessment and case formulation can be a daunting task for trainee therapists engaging in clinical assessment for the first time. This book is designed to help, by unpicking the many aspects involved in assessment and case formulation across modalities, practice settings and client groups. The book: · Explores key elements of clinical assessment including diagnosis, risk assessment, ethical considerations and accounting for difference. · Highlights the necessary skills, techniques and legal requirements at each stage of the process. · Takes into account the impact of culture, context and theoretical and practical considerations. · Uses case studies and reflective questions to illustrate difficult concepts in context. Equipping you with the knowledge and tools to make successful assessments and case formulations, this is an essential read for trainees and for qualified practitioners wishing to brush up on their understanding. Dr Biljana van Rijn, Faculty Head of Applied Research and Clinical Practice, Metanoia Institute.