Behavioral Activation Handout

What is it?

Behavioral activation is a type of therapy that focuses on using behaviors to activate positive emotions and overcome depression. It is based on the idea that depression often causes people to lose interest in activities they used to enjoy, which can intensify their symptoms. Behavioral activation involves:

Identifying values and goals: The therapist helps the client identify their core values and long-term goals, which can provide a sense of purpose and direction in their life

Monitoring daily activities: The client is encouraged to track their daily activities and observe the impact of these activities on their mood and overall well-being

Scheduling and carrying out meaningful activities: The therapist assists the client in scheduling and engaging in meaningful activities that align with their values and goals. These activities can help boost positive experiences and reduce negative thought patterns

Behavioral activation can be used as a standalone treatment or as part of cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a practical and evidence-based treatment for depression that helps people make their lives meaningful and pleasurable again.

This exercise will help you do the following:

01. Learn about how the activities you do affect your mood and motivation.

02. Monitor the activities you engage in and identify what gives you energy and what drains it.

03. Schedule the activities that energize you.

What's included?

The free version:

• Free PDF Worksheet

The premium version:

• Fillable PDF Worksheet
• Link to the Canva Template

Please note that while the Canva version is 100% editable, you can not export fillable PDFs straight from Canva. If you want to edit the template in Canva and then export it as PDF, you would need to use a third-party tool such as Adobe Acrobat to make it fillable later on!