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A literature review exploring the efficacy of case formulations in clinical practice. What are the themes and pertinent issues?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 June 2009

Robert Aston
Robert Aston*
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
*
*Author for correspondence: Mr R. Aston, Birmingham University, School of Psychology, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK. (email: robjohnaston@hotmail.com)
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Abstract

There is a paucity of research exploring the validity, reliability and impact on clinical outcome of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBP) case formulations. This review considers a variety of literature that relates to formulations and their use, it also draws on other types of psychotherapy where there appears to be a more established and robust research base. The literature review explores the research that has taken place within CBP and considers the themes that emerge from this research. Several themes were identified and these relate to decision-making and experience, specific guidelines to aid quality of formulations and a significant lack of understanding of clients' views on the formulation process and its outcome. It is unclear whether formulations do influence the successfulness of therapy. Recommendations are made as to what further research is needed and the form this should take.

Keywords

Case formulationCBPCBTevidence-based practiceformulation
Type
Review
Information
the Cognitive Behaviour Therapist , Volume 2 , Issue 2 , June 2009 , pp. 63 - 74
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2009

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References

Recommended follow-up reading

Bieling, PJ, Kuyken, W (2003). Is cognitive case formulation science or science fiction? American Psychological Association 10, 52–69.Google Scholar
Chadwick, P, Williams, C, Mackenzie, J (2003). Impact of case formulation in cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis. Behaviour Research and Therapy 41, 671–680.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Grant, A, Townend, M, Mills, J, Cockx, A (2008). Assessment and Formulation in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. London: Sage.Google Scholar
Kuyken, W (2006). Evidence-based case formulation. Is the emperor clothed? In: Case Formulation in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (ed.Tarrier, N.), pp. 12–35. London: Routledge.Google Scholar

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