A formulation is a working explanation that guides inquiry and care. Use this page to distinguish what the client reports, what you directly observed, and what you are considering. Revise the explanation as new information becomes available.
Name the information source
Write "client reports," "partner reports with consent," or "observed in session" where appropriate. Describe behavior before assigning meaning. Silence, for example, could reflect uncertainty, processing time, fear, fatigue, or several other experiences.
Consider context and alternatives
Include strengths, supports, cultural meaning, health, environment, and current demands. Identify what supports each hypothesis and what would challenge it. Do not present a compelling story as established history.
Use the formulation collaboratively
Ask whether the explanation fits the client's experience and what it misses. Choose a question, assessment, consultation, or intervention that could clarify the picture. Note the limits of the information available today.
Reflection prompts
Use these questions in conversation, on paper, or in the downloaded PDF. You may adapt or skip a prompt.
Reported information and its source
Direct observations without interpretation
Working hypotheses and plausible alternatives
Missing information and the next step to clarify it
Facilitator notes and adaptation
This reflection tool does not establish a diagnosis or replace a comprehensive assessment. Avoid speculative trauma explanations and unsupported causal claims. Use supervision or consultation when uncertainty materially affects care.
Sources behind the concepts
These sources inform the concepts in this original resource. They do not validate or endorse this specific page.