Clinical formulation lies at the heart of how mental health professionals understand psychological distress. It is the application of a framework that cohesively integrates scientific knowledge with the symptoms of distress. In essence, it is the creation of order to what is often experienced as disorder. The aim of this book is to bring awareness to the theoretical and practical opportunities for mental health professionals that exists by using atypical information when adapting typical formulation models. Each chapter reflects some variation in how formulation is defined, conceptualised and practiced, by using information that regularly materializes from professional encounters but often is omitted from the formulation of a particular presenting problem. Chapters on diet and exercise, sleep, spirituality, sexuality and meaning-making highlight how approaches to formulation can be extended to provide additional opportunities for intervention for the client and practitioner. A professional encounter orientated in the manner proposed will generate a type of formulation that will raise interesting and testable hypotheses that can assist in understanding ‘stuck’ points in therapy, difficulties within the therapeutic relationship, low motivation or inability to engage in particular approaches and will assist in devising person-specific mental health interventions. This book will appeal to clinical psychologists and psychotherapists in practice and training.

A step-by-step model for individualized case conceptualization This innovative new guide addresses the essential question facing every therapist with a new client: How do I create a treatment plan that is the best match for my client? This unique resource provides a systematic method to integrate ideas, skills, and techniques from different theoretical approaches, empirical research, and clinical experience to create a case formulation that is tailor-made for the client. Clinical Case Formulations is divided into three parts: * Getting Started--provides an overview that sets forth a framework for case formulation and data gathering. * 28 Core Clinical Hypotheses--offers a meta-framework embracing all theories, orientations, and mental health intervention models and presents clinical hypotheses within seven categories: Biological Hypotheses; Crisis, Stressful Situations, and Transitions; Behavioral and Learning Models; Cognitive Models; Existential and Spiritual Models; Psychodynamic Models; and Social, Cultural, and Environmental Factors. These hypotheses are combined and integrated to develop a coherent conceptualization of the client's problems. * Steps to a Complete Case Formulation--provides a structured framework known as the Problem-Oriented Method (POM). Using the POM and integrating multiple hypotheses, the therapist learns how to think intelligently, critically, and creatively in order to develop a tailor-made treatment plan. A list of thirty-three standards for evaluating the application of this method is provided. With this practical guide you will learn to conceptualize your clients' needs in ways that lead to effective treatment plans while finding the tools for troubleshooting when interventions fail to produce expected benefits.

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.

Written by recognized experts in their respective fields, the books of the Series in Specialty Competencies in Professional Psychology are comprehensive, up-to-date, and accessible. These volumes offer invaluable guidance to not only practicing mental health professionals, but those training for specialty practice as well.

Individual Case Formulation presents formulation as a process that can be taught systematically to trainee therapists. The book begins by discussing assorted theories of case formulation, and critiques their ability to be applied in real world situations. The individual case formulation approach is then defined and discussed as a way to integrate the best of what different theoretical orientations have to offer in conjunction with the expertise and clinical judgment of the therapist. The book proposes a systemic/functional framework that focuses on difficulties as defined by the client and emphasizes constructive solutions to problems rather than symptom reduction. Moving from theory to application, the book then guides therapists in how to conduct assessment interviews, how to reach a provisional formulation, how to test that formulation for accuracy and reformulate if necessary, how a therapist can make explicit what their clinical reasoning was in making the case formulation, and provides case examples and transcripts so readers will better grasp the concepts in action. Intended both for the starting or trainee therapist and the experienced clinician, Individual Case Formulation provides a practical guide for those looking to improve their case formulation skills. - Reviews, critiques and compares multiple theories on formulation - Identifies benefits of utilizing the individual case approach - Guides trainee therapists how to conduct assessment interviews and reach a provisional formulation - Presents a conceptual framework for developing and testing a formulation - Helps trainees make explicit their clinical reasoning - Field-tested for several decades - Provides case examples with annotated transcripts to illustrate the process of formulation

Case formulation is a key skill for mental health practitioners, and this book provides examples of ten case formulations representing the most common mental health problems in a variety of populations and contexts, offering commentary on contrasting formulations of the same case. Provides an overview of the general features of case formulation and how it can drive treatment Features clinical cases from a variety of populations, focusing on a range of different problems Covers all the major theoretical perspectives in clinical practice – behavioural, cognitive behavioural, psychodynamic, medical , and eclectic Offers commentary on contrasting formulations of the same case for five different clinical problems

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.