The Problem List exercise is a helpful way of gathering information about current problems.
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.
An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.
An important task during the assessment phase of therapy is to accurately identify the specific difficulties faced by the client. This process is crucial for tailoring an effective treatment plan. The Problem List exercise is a valuable tool for gathering comprehensive information about the client's current challenges. It aids in organizing these issues in a structured manner and includes separate versions for clients and therapists.
Utilizing the Problem List helps develop a thorough understanding of clients' difficulties and challenges.
Assessing symptoms of anxiety and associated coping strategies.
Exploring factors contributing to depressive symptoms.
Assessing when and how clients' experience perfectionism.
Clarifying problematic interpersonal patterns.
Use either the client or therapist version during assessment to explore clients' difficulties.
Discuss how the client experiences each problem and copes with it.
Consider other important factors including client safety and interactions between identified problems.
An important task during the assessment phase of therapy is to identify client difficulties. The clinician can draw upon multiple sources of information including direct reports from the client, the client’s family / friends, information from other professionals, and psychometric measures. The Problem List exercise is one way of gathering information about current difficulties. It includes client and therapist versions, with appropriate prompts for each. Therapists are reminded that as well as recording issues reported directly by the client they should consider additional issues that the client may not be aware of, or may not consider a problem. Therapists should reflect upon whether an identified problem has a bearing upon safety, stability or client engagement.
