ABSTRACT
In introducing this volume on case formulation I thought it worthwhile to look briefly at some of the stages in the development of case formulation and some of the issues that have been raised. As with all aspects of clinical practice, the process of case formulation – working towards a psychological explanation of a patient’s problem that has treatment utility – is not static. There remain numerous challenges and no doubt further challenges will arise in the future. To stop and reflect on these issues and the challenges they impose is helpful both to the individual clinician and to the clinical researcher.
