Approaches to Case Formulation and Treatment Planning

Case formulation is the development of a hypothesis relating to the etiology of a client’s problem, factors which maintain or trigger the expression of the problem, and factors which may reduce the likelihood of the problem’s reoccurrence or mitigate against its severity. Underpinned by psychological theory and generated in collaboration with the client, this formulation guides the clinician in the development of treatment goals and a treatment plan that addresses the client’s vulnerabilities and triggers, while strengthening protective factors such as positive coping and resilience. This course examines contemporary case formulation strategies, including those which are trans-theoretical as well as those which are bound to particular theoretical approaches, and guides the student through the use of a formulation in building, revising, and implementing a successful treatment plan.