Activity Selection

This worksheet is designed to help clients evaluate and compare the difficulty of different activities, supporting more informed and manageable choices when initiating action.

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Professional version

Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Client version

Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Fillable version (PDF)

A fillable version of the resource. This can be edited and saved in Adobe Acrobat, or other PDF editing software.

Editable version (PPT)

An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.

Overview

Activity Selection is a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) worksheet. A common difficulty in depression is the client's withdrawal from activities which were previously rewarding. Behavioral activation aims to treat depression and low mood by encouraging clients to participate in activities again. This worksheet is designed to help them identify a hierarchy of achievable (or attemptable) activities.

Why Use This Resource?

Behavioral activation is an effective treatment for depression. The Activity Selection worksheet supports clients by:

Helping with decision-making when clients feel overwhelmed by different activity options.
Encouraging participating in activities that feel manageable.
Reducing avoidance by breaking the cycle of inactivity.
Enhancing behavioral activation by guiding clients to engage in meaningful activities.

Key Benefits

Identification

Encourages identification and reflection on meaningful activities.

Structure

Provides a hierarchical ranking system for activities.

Progression

Supports gradual engagement in increasingly challenging tasks.

Who is this for?

Depression And Low Mood

Designed for clients who have withdrawn from activities they have previously enjoyed.

Integrating it into your practice

Generate

Collaborate with clients to generate a list of meaningful activities.

Rank

Have clients rank activities by difficulty level.

Engage

Encourage starting with easier activities.

Progress

Gradually move onto more complex and challenging activities.

Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance

Activity Selection is a CBT worksheet. A common difficulty in depression is the client's withdrawal from activities which were previously rewarding. Behavioral activation is an effective treatment for depression and low mood. Activity selection is a helpful method of identifying a hierarchy of achievable (or attemptable) activities.

What's inside

Introduction to activity selection.
Guidance on using the resource with clients.
Key references and suggestions for further reading.

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FAQs

Begin by discussing and identifying personally meaningful activities. Explain the benefits of introducing less difficult tasks.

Utilize tools like values worksheets to inspire ideas. Collaborate to identify simple activities that relate to their interests or values.

Encourage starting small with less challenging activities to build confidence and motivation.

How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes

This resource enhances therapy by:

Helping clients identify personally meaningful activities.
Maximizing success and progress using behavioral activation.
Encouraging increased activity, helping reduce depressive symptoms.

Clinicians Who Use This Resource Also Use

Using Behavioral Activation To Overcome Depression

References And Further Reading

Jacobson, N.S., Dobson, K.S., Truax, P.A., Addis, M.E., Koerner, K., Gollan, J.K., Gortner, E., & Prince, S.E. (1996). A component analysis of cognitive-behavioral treatment for depression. journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64(2), 295-304.

A Guide To Emotions