Cognitive Case Formulation

The Cognitive Case Formulation is a CBT case conceptualization tool that aims to help therapists derive core and intermediate beliefs from an analysis of current events, and to understand compensatory assumptions and behavior. 

Case formulation is a method by which a client and therapist can come to shared understanding of a difficulty. The formulation contextualizes the difficulty, making its origin and maintenance understandable. In general, case formulations are best completed collaboratively, with clients positioned as the ‘experts in themselves’. While many formulation tools are suitable for sharing with clients, the Cognitive Case Formulation is likely to be a more suitable tool for therapists to structure their observations and reflections.

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Professional version

Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

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A copy of the worksheet in PDF format.

Fillable version (PDF)

A fillable version of the resource. This can be edited and saved in Adobe Acrobat, or other PDF editing software.

Editable version (PPT)

An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.

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Introduction & Theoretical Background

The Cognitive Case Formulation is a tool to help the clinician record essential case information, to assist them in understanding the relationship between past events and current experiences, and to generate hypotheses regarding beliefs, assumptions, and coping strategies. 

This case formulation tool is adapted from a Beckian approach to case conceptualization (Beck, 2011; Beck et al., 1979). It aims to help therapists derive core beliefs from an analysis of current events, and to understand compensatory assumptions and behavior. This information can be used to aid client understanding of dysfunctional reactions and behavior, and to suggest treatment intervention targets.

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Therapist Guidance

This is a case formulation (case conceptualization) diagram. Put simply, case formulation is one method of a client and therapist coming to shared understanding of a difficulty. The formulation contextualizes the difficulty, making its origin and maintenance understandable. In general, case formulations are best completed collaboratively, with clients positioned as the ‘experts in themselves’. The Cognitive Case Formulation tool is likely to be too confusing for most clients and serves better as a resource for therapists to structure their observations and reflections.

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References And Further Reading

  • Beck, A. T., Rush, A. J., Shaw, B. F., Emery, G. (1979). Cognitive therapy of depression. New York: The Guilford Press.
  • Beck, J. (2011). Cognitive therapy: basics and beyond. New York: The Guilford Press.

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