Psychoanalytic Case Formulation Online

To cope, she uses intellectualization (over-explaining her problems to avoid feeling them) or projection (thinking her boss is angry with her when she is actually angry with herself). The Turning Point: The Formulation (The Map)

She reveals a childhood with a mother who was highly competitive and critical. Sarah learned that "shining" too brightly was dangerous. Psychoanalytic Case Formulation

She begins to see herself as the "author" of her life rather than a victim of her symptoms. She begins to see herself as the "author"

The story of a psychoanalytic case formulation is less about a final "diagnosis" and more like a . It is the process of mapping a person's inner world to understand why they are suffering today based on who they were yesterday. The Opening: The "Surface" Presentation the panic attacks lose their power

The therapist doesn't use a checklist; they listen for "echoes". In Sarah's case, the story unfolds through several lenses:

Sarah's panic often happens right after she receives praise at work.

By understanding the why , the panic attacks lose their power, allowing her to finally enjoy her achievements without the unconscious "tax" of anxiety. Key Concepts in Case Formulation Understanding Psychoanalytic Case Formulation