ABSTRACT
Competency in working effectively with individuals diagnosed with personality disorders is increasingly expected of psychotherapists today and competency in case conceptualization is perhaps the most important competency for effective clinical outcomes. This chapter describes an integrative approach to case conceptualization that emphasizes common elements and can incorporate unique elements as well. It highlights the value of an integrative case conceptualization that effectively links assessment with treatment and informs treatment goals and interventions. At a minimum, a concise case conceptualization should include presentation, precipitant, pattern, treatment goal(s), and treatment intervention(s). A clinically useful case conceptualization has three characteristics. First, it provides a high level of explanatory power, Second, it provides a high level of tailoring power, and Third, it provides a high level of predictive power. Initially, treatment was focused on decreasing symptoms of depression, fatigue, and insomnia. The goals of treatment include reducing depressive symptoms, increasing interpersonal and friendship skills, returning to work, and increasing social network.
