About this resource
Many behaviours bring short-term relief and long-term cost. This worksheet looks at a behaviour pattern, such as avoidance, checking or procrastination, weighing benefits and costs in the short and long term, then reflecting on what the client wants to do.
Purpose
To help clients see the full picture of a behaviour and its impact over time.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Psychologists. Also relevant for counsellors and therapists.
Client or participant group: Adolescents and adults in treatment exploring a behaviour pattern.
Practice setting: Psychology sessions.
Suggested uses
- Exploring avoidance or safety behaviours
- Motivation for change
- Formulation
- Relapse prevention
Instructions for practitioners
- Acknowledge the real benefits of the behaviour.
- Explore long-term effects gently.
- Link to values.
- Avoid pressure; let the client draw conclusions.
Instructions for clients or participants
- Name the behaviour.
- Fill in the four boxes.
- Reflect on what you want.
Accessibility considerations
Can be completed verbally.
Scope and limitations
An educational worksheet for use within treatment.
Research basis
Motivational interviewing has consistent, modest benefits for behaviour change across health and social care settings. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has a strong research base for anxiety, depression and many related problems; this resource uses CBT techniques to support, not replace, a structured treatment plan.
- Beck, J. S. (2021). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
- Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427–440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-012-9476-1
- Lundahl, B. W., Kunz, C., Brownell, C., Tollefson, D., & Burke, B. L. (2010). A Meta-Analysis of Motivational Interviewing: Twenty-Five Years of Empirical Studies. Research on Social Work Practice, 20(2), 137–160. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731509347850
- Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
