Case formulation and the therapeutic alliance in contemporary problem-solving therapy (PST)

Abstract

In addition to providing psychoeducation and sharing clinical explanations and treatment goals, case formulation serves as a potential mechanism by which therapists may facilitate an alliance with their patients. This article illustrates how a case formulation shared with a patient early in the process of contemporary problem-solving therapy (PST) may yield both a road map to treatment and a means to build and adapt a therapeutic alliance based on patient attributes. We provide a description of a clinical case in which PST was carried out with a woman who, in the midst of alcohol recovery, experienced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and binge eating.