Identify the correct steps in the formulation of a client’s problem:(…

The correct answer is Option (1) → (D), (B), (A), (C)

Psychotherapy begins by formulating the client’s problem in the therapeutic model being used. The clinical formulation proceeds in this order:

(D) The therapist understands the full implication of the distress — first comes understanding of the problem: the therapist grasps the full implications of the distress the client is experiencing.

(B) The therapist identifies the target areas for treatment — next, the formulation identifies the problem areas to be targeted. A client who cannot hold a job and cannot face superiors would have the targets ‘inability to assert oneself’ and ‘heightened anxiety’.

(A) The therapist chooses the relevant techniques — the choice of techniques, their timing and the expected outcome depend on the formulation, so they follow once the targets are known.

(C) Clinical insights are gained in the process of therapy — the formulation is an ongoing process: as therapy goes on, clinical insights are gained and the problem may be reformulated. So this comes last.