Thesis
An investigation of collaborative case formulation work in Emotion-Focused Therapy
- Creator
- Rights statement
- Awarding institution
- University of Strathclyde
- Date of award
- 2025
- Thesis identifier
- T17266
- Person Identifier (Local)
- 202388097
- Qualification Level
- Qualification Name
- Department, School or Faculty
- Abstract
- Collaborative case formulation work is a central topic in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and is supported by a theoretical framework; however, there is surprisingly little research on it. This study investigated what EFT collaborative case formulation work looks like, by studying client-therapist case formulation sequences in EFT. This study is presenting results on the defining characteristics of case formulation work, how many kinds of case formulation work there are and the therapist response modes that facilitate it. Using a collection of recordings selected from the APA video archive of EFT practice by four eminent EFT therapists, this study extracted all examples of case formulation work by client and therapist, through an open-ended, qualitative process-description method aimed at finding their defining characteristics and the variety of case formulation work. This was followed by coding the therapist response modes used in collaborative case formulation work. This study found five characteristics that define collaborative case formulation work for therapist and client. Two of these were “reflective: stepping back and reflecting on the client’s process” and “connective: building a shared story that connects the client’s presenting difficulties to their key emotions.” This study also found 28 kinds of case formulation work; the most common kinds of formulation by action were translating formulations and storying formulations. The three most common therapist response modes used to facilitate the unfolding of collaborative case formulation work were: empathic formulation, empathic conjecture and empathic refocusing. Having a clear research-based definition for case formulation work makes it easier to teach therapists learning EFT. Identifying all the variety of formulations contributed to understanding the different roles they serve in the formulation process. Knowing the specific combination of empathic responses that eminent EFT clinicians are using in their formulations helps therapists know how to formulate collaboratively with clients. Keywords: collaborative case formulation; EFT meta-tasks; typology; therapist response modes; empathic formulation.
- Advisor / supervisor
- Stephen, Susan
- Resource Type
- DOI
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PDF of thesis T17266 | 2025-03-19 | Public | Download |