ABSTRACT
The ability to develop an accurate and concise psychological formulation of a patient’s problems is an invaluable skill for all clinicians. A valid formulation synthesizes information about an individual’s biological and psychological make-up, attachment style, personality, and social context, creating a plausible hypothesis explaining his or her psychological symptoms. The formulation should lead to:
∑ An enhanced understanding of the patient’s experience. ∑ A plausible hypothesis explaining the origin of the patient’s symptoms. ∑ A guide to the therapeutic stance to be taken in treatment. ∑ A guide to the use of specific therapeutic techniques. ∑ An accurate assessment of prognosis.
