Formulation In Action

When people seek psychological support, formulation is the theory-driven methodology used by many practitioners to guide identification of the processes, mechanisms, and patterns of behaviour that appear to be contributing to the presenting difficulties. However, the process of formulating – or applying psychological theory to practice – can often seem unclear. In this volume, we present multiple demonstrations of formulation in action – written by applied psychologists embedded in clinical training, research, and practice. The volume covers a range of contemporary approaches to formulation and therapy that have not been considered in extant works, and includes unique sections offering critical counter-perspectives and commentaries on each approach (and its application) by authors working from alternative theoretical positions.

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

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.

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.

The first edition of Formulation in Psychology and Psychotherapy caught the wave of growing interest in formulation in a clinical context. This completely updated and revised edition summarises recent practice, research, developments and debates while retaining the features that made the first a leading text in the field. It contains new chapters on personal construct formulation, formulation in health settings, and the innovative practice of using formulation in teams. The book sees formulation as a dynamic process which explores personal meaning collaboratively and reflectively, taking account of relational and social contexts. Two case studies, one adult and one child, illustrate the use of formulation from the perspectives of expert clinicians from six different theoretical positions. The book encourages the reader to take a constructively critical perspective on the many philosophical, professional and ethical debates raised by the process of formulating people’s problems. Among the issues explored are: The social and political context of formulation Formulation in relation to psychiatric diagnosis The limitations of formulation Controversies and debates about formulation This readable and comprehensive guide to the field provides a clear, up to date and thought-provoking overview of formulation from a number of perspectives, essential for clinicians working in all areas of mental health and social care, psychology, therapy and counselling.

`An important contribution to the development of cognitive therapy that synthesizes the best of traditional cognitive therapy with important new developments emerging from a range of different areas. Combining practical accessibility with theoretical sophistication, this book will be invaluable reading for both beginning therapists and experienced clinicians' - Jeremy D. Safran, Ph.D., Professor and Director of Clinical Psychology, New School for Social Research, New York `Like a powerful river with many tributaries, this book somehow manages to weave influences from all kinds of diverse sources into an exciting, coherent whole. It is everything you'd want of a new CBT book for students and practitioners - fresh, practical, accessible' - James Bennett-Levy, Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre Assessment and Case Formulation in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a comprehensive guide to key areas of professional knowledge and skill. The successful outcome of therapy depends on the therapist's ability to work collaboratively with clients to create rounded assessments and formulations as a solid basis for therapeutic work. Drawing directly on their own clinical work, the authors describe how assessment and formulation should evolve throughout the process. The case examples chosen include helping individuals with axis I and II problems such as psychosis, depression, borderline personality disorder and family case formulation. The authors also discuss the importance of the therapist taking into account their own beliefs and emotions in formulating each case and present suggested self-practice/self-reflection trajectories to support continuous professional development in this area. Alec Grant is Principal Lecturer and Course Leader MSc in Cognitive Psychotherapy at INAM, University of Brighton. Michael Townend is Reader in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy and Programme Leader for the MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy and Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Supervision, University of Derby. Jem Mills is Managing Director Aurora CBT Ltd and also Cognitive Psychotherapist in Private Practice. Adrian Cockx is Community Psychiatric Nurse and MSc in Cognitive Psychotherapy student at University of Brighton.

The specialty of clinical child and adolescent psychology has a history that dates back to the turn of the century when the first psychological clinic for children was reportedly established. As it is currently applied, this broad and wide-ranging specialty took organizational shape from the 1960s through the 1990s, and today child and adolescent psychology shares many characteristics and plays a collaborative role other specialties within professional psychology. These include clinical psychology, cognitive and behavioral psychology, school psychology, and clinical health psychology. In this volume, Dr. Finch and his co-authors provide a comprehensive demonstration of the competencies involved in this specialty, extending far beyond the scope of the age of its identified patient population. Offering an evidence-based best practices model of intervention informed by an integration of multiple professional competencies from a range of other specialty areas, this book is an invaluable resource for all those interested in pursuing the clinical child and adolescent specialty practice. Series in Specialty Competencies in Professional Psychology Series Editors Arthur M. Nezu and Christine Maguth Nezu As the field of psychology continues to grow and new specialty areas emerge and achieve recognition, it has become increasingly important to define the standards of professional specialty practice. Developed and conceived in response to this need for practical guidelines, this series presents methods, strategies, and techniques for conducting day-to-day practice in any given psychology specialty. The topical volumes address best practices across the functional and foundational competencies that characterize the various psychology specialties, including clinical psychology, cognitive and behavioral psychology, school psychology, geropsychology, forensic psychology, clinical neuropsychology, couples and family psychology, and more. Functional competencies include common practice activities like assessment and intervention, while foundational competencies represent core knowledge areas such as ethical and legal issues, cultural diversity, and professional identification. In addition to describing these competencies, each volume provides a definition, description, and development timeline of a particular specialty, including its essential and characteristic pattern of activities, as well as its distinctive and unique features. Written by recognized experts in their respective fields, volumes 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.

This indispensable practitioner guide and text serves as a comprehensive primer on case formulation within all of the major therapeutic approaches. Prominent experts offer step-by-step guidelines for developing strong formulations and putting them to use in day-to-day practice. The chapters follow a standard format to allow comparison across models. Coverage includes the conceptual and empirical underpinnings of each approach, the relationship of case formulation to therapeutic technique, issues in treating clients from different backgrounds and with different types of presenting problems, and training resources. Illustrative case material and user-friendly examples of completed formulations are featured throughout.