The Activity Planning worksheet assists clients in scheduling activities to enhance mood, mastery, and well-being, and is particularly beneficial for those experiencing depression.
Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
A fillable version of the resource. This can be edited and saved in Adobe Acrobat, or other PDF editing software.
An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.
The Activity Planning worksheet is an evidence-based tool designed to help clients plan and execute activities throughout the week. Scheduling activities for the morning, afternoon, and evening ensures consistent activity and maximizes the likelihood of accomplishment and mood enhancement. By recording feelings associated with completed activities, clients gain insight into their emotional responses, encouraging further change.
Activity Planning is an key technique in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression due to its focus on behavioral activation and mood improvement.
Assisting clients in overcoming lack of motivation and increasing positive reinforcements.
Helping clients incorporate calming activities into their routine.
Encouraging relaxation through planned leisure activities.
Supporting clients in enhancing life satisfaction and emotional balance.
Explain the importance of planning activities for well-being.
Assist clients in selecting activities for morning, afternoon, and evening slots.
Encourage clients to note their feelings post-activity.
Discuss the week’s activities and emotional responses with your client.
Modify plans based on client feedback to optimize benefits.
Encourage clients to gradually increase their activities or social engagement.
Activity planning is rooted in the idea that engaging in meaningful activities can combat depressive symptoms by increasing one’s sense of accomplishment and pleasure. Research (Jacobson et al., 1996) supports this approach by highlighting its efficacy in improving overall mood and activity engagement.
Therapists should guide clients in choosing a balanced mix of activities, considering their current mood, energy levels, and preferences. Encouraging clients to document and review their feelings allows for the exploration of behavioral patterns and emotional links, providing valuable insights for therapy discussions and future planning.
