Psychodynamic formulation in assessment for psychotherapy

Abstract

What dire offence from amorous causes spring What mighty contests rise from trivial things Pope SUMMARY. This paper describes one form of psychodynamic formulation. Three areas of object-relations (the current life situation, the early infantile relations and the transference relationship) are focused upon to derive a common pattern. Fromthese core object-relationships a point of maximum pain can be hypothesised and the attendant defensive relationships. The paper also discusses the central importance oftesting hypotheses with interpretation even in the assessment interview, and the prime interest ofthepsychodynamicformulation in assessing other factors in the suitability of a patient for psychotherapy. In assessing referrals for psychotherapy and psycho-analysis, it is best to avoid the use of the term 'diagnosis * because it becomes confused with psychiatric diagnosis and the medical treatment of patients. Other terms are *assessment ' or 'consultation ' or •initial interview'. They all carry a slightly different emphasis on what we do at that first meeting with a possible patient or client. The reason tljat there are several terms is tha