Dr Kelly: Conversations for the Mind

A formulation is a map of what is going on for an individual. But which one should you use with a client? Dr Kelly Watkins has supervised psychologists and therapists for years, and this is the question she hears most. There's no single answer, so she offers practical pointers for choosing.

In this episode:

• What a formulation is, and how it grows out of your assessment

• Longitudinal formulations: looking at background factors, triggers, maintaining factors and protective factors

• Disorder-specific CBT formulations, for example for generalised anxiety, PTSD and depression

• How to choose between them, including when a client has several difficulties at once

• Transdiagnostic formulations, and offering the client a choice

• Why formulations should be collaborative and treated as a working document

• Longitudinal models from Beck and Westbrook, and the Five Ps

• The Five Factor model (the "hot cross bun"): situation, thoughts, feelings, behaviours and physical sensations

• Maintenance cycles, also called the "vicious flower" or cogs

• Why it's fine to adapt the boxes if a model doesn't fit your client

• A tip for early-career therapists: try formulating yourself

Whether you're training, supervising or already in practice, this episode will help you choose and use a formulation with confidence.

This episode is for general information and is not clinical advice or a substitute for supervision or professional training.

Have a question? Leave a comment, and please like, follow and subscribe so you don't miss the next episode.

Welcome to Dr Kelly: Conversations for the Mind. The podcast where psychology meets everyday life.

I'm Dr Kelly, a Forensic Psychologist, CBT Therapist, and EMDR therapist, and each week we'll explore the psychology behind the thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and relationships that shape who we are.

Through The Inner Work, we'll take a deep dive into topics such as anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, relationships, identity, resilience, emotional wellbeing, and the patterns we can find ourselves repeating. You'll gain evidence-based insights, practical strategies, and a deeper understanding of why we think, feel, and behave the way we do.

Alongside these solo episodes, Conversations That Matter brings thoughtful discussions with psychologists, researchers, authors, and people with lived experience, offering fresh perspectives on mental health, human behaviour, and personal growth.

You'll also find:
• A Moment to Ground – short guided reflections and calming practices.
• Listener Letters – real questions from listeners answered with compassion and psychological insight.

Whether you're looking to better understand yourself, improve your relationships, support your mental wellbeing, or you're simply fascinated by human behaviour, this podcast is for you.

Subscribe to Dr Kelly: Conversations for the Mind, where psychology meets everyday life, and join me as we explore the mind with curiosity, compassion, and evidence-based understanding.

New episodes every week.