What does a case formulation summarize?

A case formulation is a comprehensive summary that integrates various elements of a client's background to provide context for their current issues. Specifically, it outlines the client's history, which includes relevant past experiences, traumas, and patterns of behavior, as well as the presenting issues that they are facing at the moment of assessment. By synthesizing this information, a case formulation helps clinicians understand the client's mental health challenges in a holistic manner.

This understanding is crucial for developing effective treatment plans and interventions tailored to the client's unique circumstances and needs. It serves as a foundational document that informs future sessions and therapeutic approaches, allowing therapists to track changes and progress over time.

While the other options mention important aspects of the therapeutic process, they do not encapsulate the broader scope of a case formulation, which specifically emphasizes the combination of the client’s history and presenting problems.