This invaluable book shows that while seasoned practitioners rely upon established diagnostic categories for record-keeping, their actual clinical concepts and practices reflect more inferential, subjective, and intuitive processes. From the author of the landmark text Psychoanalytic Diagnosis, the volume takes clinicians step-by-step through developing a dynamic case formulation and using this information to guide and inform treatment decisions. Synthesizing extensive clinical literature, diverse psychoanalytic viewpoints, and empirical research in psychology and psychiatry, McWilliams brings assessment to life and illuminates the entire psychotherapeutic process.