ABSTRACT
Case formulation is described as the ‘lynchpin’ of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) (Butler, 1998). This is because it improves practice by explaining clients’ presentations in a theoretically informed, coherent and meaningful way which leads to effective interventions. Essentially formulation helps marry the unique experience of the client with the skills, theory and knowledge we bring as therapists to help us understand and alleviate the client’s presenting issues. Given this, it is understandable why formulation is seen as one of the key elements of CBT (Beck, 2011). In this chapter we describe principles that underpin effective CBT case formulation. We illustrate this process with reference to the cases of Jack and Janet.
