Routledge Constructing Stories, Telling Tales: A Guide to Formulation in Applied Psychology

Formulation remains one of the most important activities that those using psychological approaches undertake as part of their work. Arguably, however, formulation is an activity that remains poorly understood. In a current climate demanding quick fix solutions there is a tendency, which the authors refuse, towards over-simplification. Instead this Review "In a climate of demand for sound-bite explanations and quick-fix solutions, the authors refuse over-simplification and explore the challenging complexity of psychological formulation. They do so from a narrative perspective that recognizes that the formulations psychologists make in relation to the stories brought by their clients, while grounded in systematic theory and research, are, nevertheless, themselves stories. The have, therefore, elicited contributions from others, expert in the interpretation of stories and their characters, such as actors and dramatists, who bring differing perspectives to our understanding. I can personally attest ot the value of these perspectives, as my own training in dramatherapy has greatly enriched my work with clients. It has deepened my appreciation of what feeling my way into another's world, so central in effective therapy, involves, and of the centrality of stories in our experience. I have found the chapters of this book stimulating and thought provoking."--Sheelagh Strawbridge, co-author of Exploring Self About the Author Corrie, Sarah