Case Formulation in Existential-Humanistic Therapy

This book presents a nonhierarchical, liberatory case formulation framework for existential-humanistic (EH) therapy that balances structure and adaptability.

The authors have developed a flexible template that prioritizes general principles and client collaboration over scripted procedures or techniques. It emphasizes EH therapy’s dynamic, creative approach while offering a structure that makes EH therapy easy to learn for students and to help practitioners meet insurance needs and to operate within regimented treatment settings.

Each section of the case formulation template is detailed in its own chapter. These chapters cover:

• holistic narratives of the client’s background and experiences;
• techniques for identifying the client’s concern/problem, putting the client’s perspective and systemic issues ahead of the diagnostic process;
• the theoretical aspects of case formulation, emphasizing important factors like the client’s strengths and resources, biopsychosocial influences, and existential challenges; and
• treatment planning based on the client’s evolving needs and goals.

A recurring case example illustrates how to fill out each of these sections and is supplemented by other case examples.

Louis Hoffman, PhD, is a licensed psychologist in private practice and executive director of the Rocky Mountain Humanistic Counseling and Psychological Association. He has published over 20 books and 100 journal articles and book chapters. His books include the APA Handbook of Humanistic and Existential Psychology, Eros & Psyche: Existential Perspectives on Sexuality, Existential Psychology East-West, and Becoming an Existential-Humanistic Therapist. He has been recognized as a fellow of the American Psychological Association and six of its divisions (1, 10, 32, 36, 48, and 52) and received the Rollo May Award of the Society for Humanistic Psychology.

Heatherlyn P. Cleare-Hoffman, PsyD, is a staff psychologist at the Gallogly Wellness Center at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. She previously was associate director for clinical training at Argosy University, San Francisco Bay Area; core faculty at the University of the Rockies, and clinical director at the Center for Growth. She was a keynote speaker at the 12th Society for Humanistic Psychology Annual Conference in 2019. Dr. Cleare-Hoffman’s research interests include multicultural and international psychology, cultural rituals and festivals, and the psychology implications of Junkanoo for Bahamians. She is coeditor of Humanistic Approaches to Multiculturalism and Diversity.