Person‐Centered Case Formulation: A Culturally Responsive and Trauma Informed Reconceptualization for Psychotraumatology Practice

This is a conceptual‐practice paper proposing a person‐centered formulation, illustrated with a clinical case study derived from qualitative research data. This paper aims to update and promote the use of a culturally responsive and trauma‐informed model of a person‐centered formulation for individuals seeking refuge and asylum, utilizing accessible language and a holistic approach. It adopts two methods, namely, (i) a qualitative case study approach to collaboratively explore a client's narrative of trauma and displacement, (ii) it develops a new person‐centered formulation based on a culturally responsive and trauma‐informed model. This paper demonstrates how a person‐centered approach may facilitate a more holistic conceptualization of trauma, relational distress, and systemic adversity amongst refugee and asylum‐seeking populations, enabling a more effective, nonpathologizing therapeutic exploration and process. It advocates for the inclusion of a person‐centered formulation in psychotraumatology practice with individuals seeking refuge and asylum as part of a culturally responsive and trauma informed approach to psychotherapy. Finally, it highlights the potential clinical implications for working with clients from various cultural contexts, and the importance of language considerations and a holistic therapeutic approach.