Case Formulation Discussion Template
A structured template for presenting a case formulation in supervision. Covers case overview, presenting problems, provisional formulation (4 Ps), treatment plan, and specific supervision questions.
Written by Tarun Vermani, Trainee Clinical Psychologist Last reviewed
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Case Formulation Discussion Template
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Case Overview
Brief demographic and referral information. Use case codes only.
Presenting Problems
Provisional Formulation
Use the 4 Ps framework or your preferred formulation model.
Treatment Plan
Questions for Supervision
Supervisor Feedback
For the supervisor to complete during or after the discussion.
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When to use the Case Formulation Discussion Template
The Case Formulation Discussion Template is a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) supervision and reflective-practice resource, designed to support therapists and trainees in developing their clinical skills rather than as a client-facing worksheet.
You can preview it in full above, then use it within your own practice, supervision or training — completing it on any device or printing it as a PDF.
How it works
Most people work through it in around 20 minutes. It moves through six short steps:
- Case Overview — Brief demographic and referral information. Use case codes only.
- Presenting Problems
- Provisional Formulation — Use the 4 Ps framework or your preferred formulation model.
- Treatment Plan
- Questions for Supervision
- Supervisor Feedback — For the supervisor to complete during or after the discussion.
Every resource in the library shares the same clean, consistent layout, works on any phone, tablet or computer, and can be completed on screen or exported as a print-ready PDF.
The CBT approach behind it
In common with other CBT methods, the Case Formulation Discussion Template works by mapping how the parts of a problem connect and keep it going (formulation). The aim is not positive thinking but a clearer, shared understanding of what keeps a difficulty going — and practical, testable ways to change it.
Like the rest of the Formulate library it follows an evidence-based CBT structure, applied here to building and reflecting on clinical skill rather than to a specific presenting problem.
Evidence & sources
This worksheet is grounded in established cognitive behavioural therapy theory and practice. Key sources include:
- Beck, A.T., Rush, A.J., Shaw, B.F., & Emery, G. (1979). Cognitive Therapy of Depression. New York: Guilford Press.
- Padesky, C.A. & Mooney, K.A. (1990). Clinical tip: Presenting the cognitive model to clients. International Cognitive Therapy Newsletter, 6, 13-14.
- Greenberger, D. & Padesky, C.A. (2016). Mind Over Mood (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.
For use alongside professional support
Formulate provides educational CBT resources for use with a qualified therapist. They are not a substitute for professional assessment, diagnosis, or crisis care.
If you need urgent help now:
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