Formulation in Psychology and Psychotherapy

The first edition of Formulation in Psychology and Psychotherapy caught the wave of growing interest in formulation in a clinical context. This completely updated and revised edition summarises recent practice, research, developments and debates while retaining the features that made the first a leading text in the field. It contains new chapters on personal construct formulation, formulation in health settings, and the innovative practice of using formulation in teams. The book sees formulation as a dynamic process which explores personal meaning collaboratively and reflectively, taking account of relational and social contexts. Two case studies, one adult and one child, illustrate the use of formulation from the perspectives of expert clinicians from six different theoretical positions. The book encourages the reader to take a constructively critical perspective on the many philosophical, professional and ethical debates raised by the process of formulating people's problems.Among the issues explored are: The social and political context of formulation Formulation in relation to psychiatric diagnosis The limitations of formulation Controversies and debates about formulation This readable and comprehensive guide to the field provides a clear, up to date and thought-provoking overview of formulation from a number of perspectives, essential for clinicians working in all areas of mental health and social care, psychology, therapy and counselling.

Lucy Johnstone is a consultant clinical psychologist and a former Programme Director of the Bristol Clinical Psychology Doctorate. She has worked in adult mental health settings for many years. Rudi Dallos is the Research Director on the Clinical Psychology training programme at the University of Plymouth. He also works as a clinical psychologist specialising in work with adolescents and their families.

Praise for the first edition: 'Essential reading for students and trainees as well as qualified professionals. It demonstrates the richness of ideas which psychologists and therapists contribute to their understanding of clients' problems as well as confronting the complex issues arising from the idea of formulation itself.' - Mary Boyle, Professor Emeritus of Clinical Psychology, University of East London