ABSTRACT
From its inception cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has aspired to be evidence-based (Beck 1976). That is to say, it utilises practice principles derived from consensus among CBT practitioners, is based on empirically supported cognitive theories of emotional disorders and has been subjected to rigorous efficacy and effectiveness outcome research. As a result CBT is generally regarded as an evidence-based therapeutic approach for a broad range of emotional disorders. Case formulation is a cornerstone of evidencebased CBT practice. For any particular case of CBT practice, formulation is the bridge between practice, theory and research. It is the crucible where the individual particularities of a given case, relevant theory and research synthesise into an understanding of the person’s presenting issues in CBT terms which then informs the intervention.
