Unlocking the Puzzle: Understanding Psychological Formulation in Therapy
You can use it as a novice—kinda.
In the world of therapy, we often find ourselves grappling with complex human emotions, behaviours, and experiences. But how do therapists make sense of this intricate web? This is where psychological formulation comes in. It acts as a roadmap, guiding therapists to understand the unique story behind each individual's struggles.
What is Psychological Formulation?
According to the British Psychological Society, psychological formulation is a collaborative process between the therapist and the individual seeking help. It's about creating a shared understanding of the person's difficulties, their origins, and how they are maintained. It's like piecing together a puzzle, using different pieces of information to create a coherent picture.
Why is it Used in Therapy?
Tailored Treatment: Psychological formulation helps therapists develop personalised treatment plans that address the root causes of the individual's difficulties, rather than just treating the symptoms.
Empowerment: By understanding their own story, individuals gain a sense of control and empowerment. It can help them understand why they feel or behave in certain ways and identify potential triggers.
Shared Understanding: Formulation fosters a collaborative relationship between the therapist and client, ensuring both are working towards the same goals.
Predicting and Preventing Relapses: By identifying the factors that contribute to the difficulties, formulation can help predict potential triggers and develop strategies to prevent relapses.
What Does a Formulation Look Like?
While the specific content can vary, a formulation often includes the following elements:
Presenting Problems: A clear description of the individual's current difficulties.
Predisposing Factors: Factors that may have made the person vulnerable to developing these difficulties (e.g., childhood experiences, genetics).
Precipitating Factors: Events or triggers that may have led to the current difficulties (e.g., a stressful life event).
Perpetuating Factors: Factors that are currently maintaining the difficulties (e.g., unhelpful coping mechanisms, negative thought patterns).
Protective Factors: Strengths and resources that the person can draw upon to overcome their difficulties.
And In Summary?
Psychological formulation is a powerful tool that enables therapists to understand the unique context of each individual's struggles. It's not just about diagnosing a problem, it's about understanding the 'why' behind it. By providing a shared understanding and a tailored treatment plan, formulation empowers individuals on their journey to recovery and well-being.
Can you help me?
Absolutely! Contact me to arrange a chemistry/discovery call with me—with no charge, and free from obligation.
Seeking professional help is crucial if you or your child are struggling with mental health challenges. As a qualified coach, a Trauma Informed Schools Practitioner-in-training and a trainee counsellor, I can help you create a psychological formulation and guide you towards effective treatment options.
Please get in touch:
Final thoughts
Reading the above might make you feel nervous. It might make you feel entirely out of your depth. That’s understandable actually. I’d no more want to do something entirely new based off one blog post. I also didn’t provide many ways of approaching it but that’s something I might do on the SPARK website.
Did you like this post? Think you have a friend who might want to read it?
Make sure you don’t miss any of my other posts: