Jane Yeandle and colleagues discuss how professionals and clients can create a model to improve understanding of the condition

Research about effective treatment for mental health service users with personality disorders points to the importance of trusting therapeutic relationships, collaboration and a consistent framework. ‘Guided formulation’ was developed to provide a structured, collaborative and psychologically informed model for helping clients and attending professionals to make sense of early experiences, and current difficulties and relationships. It should also be used to inform treatment planning, risk management and recovery goals. The final purpose is to assist people to see their weaknesses, use their strengths and develop the capacities necessary to reduce distress, to improve quality of life and continue without involvement with mental health services. A service user’s voluntary account validates the model and its aims.