Using psychodynamic principles in formulation in everyday practice

Abstract

We try to demonstrate that using psychodynamic principles as part of case formulation is both possible and useful in everyday practice. We consider steps to developing a psychodynamically informed formulation, frameworks that can be used to structure this, and processes and resources needed to support good-quality formulation. We discuss the potential value of incorporating psychodynamic thinking and emphasise that this is complementary to other frameworks for understanding psychosis. Detailed case studies are provided.