Reference no: EM133717530

Section 1: Critical review of formulation
This section should review the core principles and purposes of formulation in counselling and therapy. It should note the benefits of formulation as a practice and discuss some of the controversies surrounding its use.

The review should include a brief discussion of why models of formulation may differ from each other.

Section 2: The client and their difficulties
This section should provide a brief description of Robbie (childhood, family constellation, schooling, work and family life as an adult) and his current situation, including the core presenting problems causing his distress.

Section 3: Writing a formulation report
Using person-centred theory and techniques, the formulation should then explain why the client is experiencing their current difficulties and how they might be best supported.

This section should include:

the application of person-centred concepts to provide an account of Robbie's presenting problems
a description of how person-centred techniques can be used to work with Robbie, drawing on examples used in Robbie's initial session with Tim (Session 1, Week 14)
an assessment of Robbie's strengths and resources and, drawing on Session 1, suggestions about how these might be used to support work with Robbie going forward
a brief summary of further theory and research that may be relevant in understanding Robbie's particular experience and context. For example, this might include theory and research about stigma (see Weeks 2 and 3) or loneliness (see Week 9); this summary should not include theory and research about other counselling modalities (such as CBT/psychodynamic modalities)
demonstration of a respectful, sensitive approach that shows awareness of social factors, the possible significance of trauma-informed practice, and the client's right to request access to reports such as these.
Section 4:
This section should focus on evaluating the person-centred approach in terms of its potential benefits and limitations for Robbie. You could choose to bring in other modalities that you have studied in the module in your discussion, but make sure that you spend at least half the word count talking about the strengths and weaknesses of person-centred approaches. Check you are considering these in terms of Robbie rather than generally.

Section 5: Reflection
This section is key for training but would not be included in official letters or reports.

Consider how easy, or difficult, you might have found it to build a therapeutic relationship with Robbie. In what ways are you different from him, and in what ways are you similar? How might these similarities and differences have influenced your formulation of his case? With Robbie, what aspects of his life are you drawn to think further about?