ABSTRACT
In this age of accountability, effective clinical practice presumes that therapists can and will competently develop and utilize case conceptualizations. Previously called case formulations, a case conceptualization is the most important competency in psychotherapy. Basically, a case conceptualization is a method for understanding and explaining a client’s presenting concerns, and a strategy for guiding the treatment process (Sperry, 2005; Sperry & Sperry, 2012). Chapter 1 introduced the four components of a case conceptualization and described it as a “bridge” to connect clinical assessment to treatment planning, interventions, and clinical outcomes. This chapter describes an integrative case conceptualization model, its premises, and its benefits. Then, it describes an Adlerian perspective on conceptualizing and planning psychotherapeutic treatment. A case example illustrates the discussion.
