The Plan Formulation Method

Abstract

The Plan Formulation Method, a procedure for developing comprehensive clinical case formulations, is illustrated using the case of Ms. Smithfield. The theory out of which the Method developed and the steps involved in developing a Plan Formulation are described. The Plan Formulation Method has been employed with excellent reliability to a wide variety of cases by different researchers. The validity of the Method has been tested in both process and outcome studies. Applications of the Method to the empirical validation and comparison of different theories of psychotherapy are discussed.