Positive Activities For Behavioral Activation Worksheet

It is common for clients who suffer from mental health challenges like depression and anxiety to engage in behaviors that may not serve them. Behaviors like isolating, not engaging in things that bring them joy, or neglecting personal care can make it difficult for a client to cope with uncomfortable symptoms. Maintaining a routine of positive activities can help with managing the discomfort that depressive symptoms can cause.

It is beneficial to encourage a client who is suffering from emotional and mental health challenges to positively engage with their environment. If a client is withdrawing from friends and family or is starting to self-isolate, encourage them to build a routine of positive activities that promote a healthy lifestyle.

About This Worksheet

Behavioral activation exercises can be instrumental in a client’s treatment. The Positive Activities For Behavioral Activation Worksheet encourages clients to engage in healthy activities that they already enjoy and try new activities that may benefit them.  Practicing positive activities is a beneficial exercise for those who suffer from depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health challenges.

The Positive Activities For Behavioral Activation worksheet provides a space for clients to explore and track positive activities that they enjoy. It is designed as a homework assignment for adults in individual or group counseling, and is especially helpful for clients who struggle with depression or low motivation.

Instructions

Introduce the Positive Activities for Behavioral Activation worksheet and explain the benefits of planning new activities for behavioral activation. Review the instructions with the client before assigning the worksheet as homework.

At the beginning of each week, the client will prepare the upcoming week’s chart by recording 3 activities they will engage in.  They may carry over up to two activities from the previous week, but each week must also include at least one new activity to try.

Review the client’s progress in implementing positive activities into their routine each week to ensure that they stay engaged with the exercise. Ask reflection questions, like:

• How did it feel to add new activities into your routine?
• What was your favorite activity this week?
• Are there any activities you’d like to try that we can help you build motivation to start this week?

Encourage the client to reflect on any changes in their mood and any feelings they experience after completing a positive activity. Reinforce the importance of behavioral activation for coping with depression.

References

Cuijpers, P., van Straten, A., & Warmerdam, L. (2007). Behavioral activation treatments of depression: A meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 27(3), 318–326.

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Download Positive Activities For Behavioral Activation Worksheet