Psychoanalytic Case Formulation | 2024 |

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)

The "formulation" is the moment the therapist connects these dots into a .

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

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

Instead of just "fixing" the panic, the therapist and Sarah use this formulation as a . Sarah learned that "shining" too brightly was dangerous

Sarah realizes her fear of success is actually an old fear of her mother.

She begins to see herself as the "author" of her life rather than a victim of her symptoms. Sarah realizes her fear of success is actually

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