TOWARD A COMMON LANGUAGE FOR CASE FORMULATION

A coding system is described that depicts those aspects of client func tioning that are often the focus of different therapeutic orientations . Although originally designed as a research instrument for comparing cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic-interpersonal therapies, the Co ding System of Therapeutic Focus (CSTF) may be used as a common langua ge for case formulation. The CSTF deals with components of clients' fu nctioning on which the therapist may place a focus (e.g., thoughts, em otions, actions), intrapersonal and interpersonal connections made by the therapist, the time frame of the focus, and the people in the clie nt's life on which the focus may be placed. The use of the coding syst em for case formulation is illustrated with such clinical problems as anticipatory anxiety, panic attacks unassertiveness, and distressed ma rital interactions.