This text investigates the clinical utility and theoretical framework of case formulation as a central practice in psychological therapy. Lucy Johnstone, a prominent clinical psychologist, examines how practitioners synthesize complex patient data into coherent narratives to guide treatment planning. The book argues that formulation serves as a collaborative tool that bridges the gap between diagnostic labels and the individual experience of distress.

Experts frequently cite this work as a foundational text for clinicians seeking to move beyond standardized diagnostic criteria. Readers often note the academic rigor and the practical focus on humanizing the therapeutic process.