ABSTRACT
A problem formulation is a `story' that we construct in collaboration with a client to give us an understanding of the client's presenting issues. In embarking on this endeavour we appreciate that there are three interrelated areas for consideration: the uniqueness of this client's presentation; features that this client may share with others presenting with similar issues; and universal elements of experience so well outlined by the existential school of thought. We foresee that any problem formulation will cover all these areas. In drawing together a problem formulation from an integrative perspective, we recommend focusing on:
· the quality of the relationship in the room with the client · the client's relationship history, attachment style and organ-
izing principles
· a perspective on the individual's development in all its aspects relating to family, school and subsequent life experiences
· a consideration of the person's adult relationship style and whether there are manifestations of a particular personality style/disorder or other diagnostic signs indicative of depression, anxiety, trauma and other recognizable conditions
· existential life issues that may currently be prominent in the person's life, for example, whether the person is dealing with loss and facing signi®cant life changes
· a consideration of the economic, social, cultural and political contexts in which the person is embedded and how this may be impacting on the presenting issues.
