Psychological formulation is a collaborative process that helps you and your clinician make sense of your mental health difficulties. It explores how your experiences, thoughts, emotions, and behaviours connect — offering a personalised map of what’s happening and why.
Formulation is for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of their mental health, especially when symptoms feel complex or confusing. It can be helpful when:
You’ve had multiple diagnoses or past treatments
Therapy hasn’t worked as expected
Emotions or behaviours feel hard to explain
You’ve experienced trauma, loss, or early adversity
You feel stuck in recurring life patterns
You want clarity without rushing into a diagnosis
You’re neurodivergent and want to explore your experiences holistically
Your difficulties are affected by identity, relationships, or systemic stressors
Formulation is often used by psychologists, therapists, and psychiatrists to guide treatment. It respects your story, your language, and your values — not just checklists or labels.
One or more in-depth assessment sessions
Exploring your history, current challenges, and personal strengths
Identifying patterns in thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and relationships
Understanding how early experiences shaped your coping strategies
Exploring the impact of trauma, neurodivergence, or systemic stress
Considering protective factors and what’s kept you going
Mapping how difficulties developed and what keeps them going
No pressure to fit into a diagnosis — focus is on meaning and context
Shared diagrams, narratives, or timelines to visualise your formulation
Written summary (if desired) to share with other professionals
Informs your treatment plan and therapy goals
Can be done alone or alongside ongoing care
Suitable for adults, teens, or families
Respectful, trauma-informed, and at your pace
At Bloomfield Health, we view formulation as the heart of compassionate care. Our psychologists and clinicians work with you to build a shared, non-judgemental understanding of your mental health — not just what’s “wrong,” but what’s happened. We take time to listen, reflect, and honour your experiences, especially if you’ve felt misunderstood in the past. Our formulations are collaborative, trauma-aware, neurodiversity-affirming, and tailored to your language, values, and goals.
No — diagnosis names patterns, but formulation explores the ‘why’ behind your experience. It offers context and meaning.
Not at all. Formulation often helps people who don’t want — or don’t feel helped by — formal labels.
It can clarify what’s going on, reduce self-blame, and guide the best type of therapy or support for you.
Sometimes — but mostly it’s a guided conversation where your story and insights are central.
Yes — if you wish, we can write a summary to share with GPs, therapists, or schools.
Absolutely. We explore your experience in affirming, sensory-aware, and personalised ways.
We’ll go gently, at your pace, and centre your voice. You are in control of what you share.
Please contact us to arrange a psychological assessment. We’ll match you with a clinician who will work with you to build a clear, respectful formulation.
We are registered by the Care Quality Commission (CQC),
the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
