Clinical case formulation

Case formulation is a capstone skill for psychologists. It is a process for applying theory and research findings to practice, understanding clients' issues, establishing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship, and developing intervention plans. In this unit, you will be introduced to an evidence-based framework for case formulation, which provides guidelines for synthesising information from multiple sources, identifying risk, managing relevant ethical issues, selecting applicable theory, and determining the most appropriate empirically supported interventions for clients with various presenting issues, in various contexts, across diverse groups and the lifespan. Through case-based discussion in large and small groups, you will develop higher order thinking and verbal skills suitable for professional entry psychology. You will also reflect on your own values and beliefs and how these may impact the therapeutic relationship and intervention delivery. Guided rehearsal of interviewing skills necessary for gathering clinical information and administering interventions will also be provided. The case formulation framework provided in this unit will help you integrate skills and knowledge from concurrent and later units, and is suitable for use in placements and future professional work.