ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses tips for maximizing the effectiveness of case formulation and treatment planning as therapists continues to optimize their delivery of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to their clients. The case formulation allows therapists to understand the key psychological factors that contribute to and maintain the problems that their client would like to address in treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapists use the case formulation to inform specific goals for treatment, or the precise destinations that the client is hoping to reach on his or her journey. The case formulation forms the “heart” of CBT for any one client. Although the case formulation worksheet calls upon therapists to identify positive environmental experiences, psychological strengths, and helpful underlying beliefs, there is equal opportunity to identify aversive environment experiences, psychological vulnerabilities, and unhelpful beliefs that are difficult to acknowledge. Most new cognitive behavioral therapists find the notion of the case formulation to be intimidating.
