I arrive at a psychotherapeutic diagnosis and develop a preliminary formulation of the goals of continued work. This formulation includes an understanding of what a person is seeking in his life and what seems to be blocking his or her progress and achievement. An informal ‘contract’ is negotiated which serves as a blueprint for the therapeutic work ahead. There is early interpretation of the transference, where appropriate.
The above is done in an attempt to determine whether interventive efforts should be directed at nurturing, maintaining, enhancing, or modifying inner capacities; mobilizing, improving, or changing environmental conditions; or improving the fit between inner capacities and external circumstances.