Scientific approaches to making psychodynamic formulations

Because of problems with reliability and undetermined validity, psychodynamic case formulations have for a long time had limited scientific value. This article reviews some of the recent methods for making psychodynamic case formulations: 1) Malan's Method for Overall Psychodynamic Formulations; 2) The Plan Formulation Method (Mr. Zion); 3) The Core Conflictual Relationship Theme Method (Luborsky); and 4) The Idiographic Conflict Formulation Method and The Psychodynamic Conflict Rating Scales (Perry). The application of these methods is illustrated by a comparison of three different methods in the same case, successfully treated in brief dynamic psychotherapy. The usefulness of the methods for guiding treatment is discussed.