Purpose 🎯

Help clients reconnect with meaningful activities by identifying behaviors that support mood, motivation, and daily functioning.

Let’s Talk About It 🗣️

Explore the connection between activity and mood.

Ask:

• What activities used to bring you energy or meaning?
• What has depression caused you to stop doing?
• What activities support your mind, body, relationships, or values?

Create categories:

• Enjoyable activities
• Necessary responsibilities
• Connection activities
• Growth activities

Choose one realistic action step.

If the Conversation Gets Stuck 💡

• What feels impossible right now?
• What is the smallest version of this activity?
• Are you waiting for motivation before acting?

Telehealth / Whiteboard Version ⚖️

Create a shared activity menu and rank activities by effort level and expected emotional benefit.

Why This Works 🌱

Behavioral activation helps clients rebuild positive reinforcement by increasing meaningful engagement before motivation naturally returns.

Clinical Pearl 🧠

Depression often tells clients they need to feel better before doing anything. Therapy helps clients practice action as a pathway toward improved mood.

Documentation Language 📝

Therapist utilized behavioral activation intervention to identify meaningful activities, reduce withdrawal patterns, and support increased engagement in daily routines.

Clinical Focus: Behavioral Activation, Meaningful Engagement, Withdrawal Reduction