Case Conceptualisation
Case Conceptualisation
(or case formulation) is a process which involves synthesising and condensing pieces of client information (such as the biological, psychological, social-environmental, clinical presentation and needs etc.) and manage them through the use of theoretical orientations and frameworks. The output of the process will contribute to an integrated, coherent and well‐developed understanding of the client's difficulties. This thoughtful process can inform an diagnosis or intervention plan with adequate justification.
There are four competency units that will help you to succeed in case conceptualisation:
1. Psychological theories of human development
It is crucial and important for psychologists to have adequate knowledge on human development, psychological theories, and theoretical foundations of mental disorders in order to conceptualize an individual’s current state of being or behaviours. Theories provide a framework for understanding human behaviour, thought, and development, provide insights to our client’s difficulties and situations and, predict a wide variety of behaviours.
2. Case conceptualisation frameworks
Case conceptualisation frameworks are utilised to condense and synthesies multiple pieces of client information into a well-developed and coherent explanation of client’s problem. There are different types of case conceptualisation frameworks for problem formation and/or problem resolution, e.g. symptom-focused, client-focused, and theory-focused (Sperry, 2005). How a framework is chosen for use depends on the psychologist’s theoretical orientation, the nature of client problem, the framework’s target groups of symptoms/clients and/or other factors.
3. Information integration
Information integration is a key process where psychologists condense and synthesise multiple pieces of client information into a well-developed and coherent explanation of client’s problem. The end product will identify precipitating causes, as well as both internal and external influence that serve to maintain the problems. Integrating information is fundamental in ensuring a cohesive understanding of the client and situation.
4. Testing hypotheses
Testing hypotheses is the last stage that leads to intervention. After gathering and synthesising information that viewed from the lens of theories and case conceptualization frameworks, a psychologist sets out to test the proposed hypothesis from case formulation by intervention. Testing hypotheses is a recursive process – hypotheses may need to be adjusted throughout the intervention process. This is to ensure that intervention plans remain to be relevant for the psychologist to make sound clinical decision making on assessment needs and intervention goals.