About this resource
Problems feel bigger when they are vague. This worksheet guides people through six clear steps: describe the problem specifically, set a realistic goal, brainstorm options without judging them, weigh the pros and cons, plan the first steps and review what happened.
Purpose
To break overwhelming problems into a clear, workable process and build confidence in solving problems independently.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Psychologists. Also relevant for counsellors and therapists, community services and case workers.
Client or participant group: Adolescents and adults facing practical or interpersonal problems that feel overwhelming.
Practice setting: Psychology and counselling sessions, and casework where practical problems are the focus.
Suggested uses
- Practical problems such as money, work or housing pressures
- Interpersonal problems and difficult conversations
- Building independent problem-solving skills
- Reducing rumination by turning worry into action
Instructions for practitioners
- Help the person choose one specific, current problem.
- Encourage a wide brainstorm before any options are judged.
- Weigh options using the person's own values and resources.
- Plan small first steps and anticipate obstacles.
- Review the outcome together, treating any result as useful information.
Instructions for clients or participants
- Describe the problem as specifically as you can.
- List every option you can think of, even unlikely ones.
- Weigh up the best few.
- Choose one and plan your first step.
Accessibility considerations
Can be completed verbally, on a whiteboard or with a scribe. Use one problem per worksheet.
Scope and limitations
An educational problem-solving worksheet. It is not a substitute for treatment of an underlying mental health condition or for specialist advice, such as legal or financial advice.
Research basis
Structured problem solving (problem-solving therapy) is an effective treatment for depression. 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.
- Bell, A. C., & D'Zurilla, T. J. (2009). Problem-solving therapy for depression: A meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 29(4), 348–353. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2009.02.003
- 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
What is included
A 3-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. Reflects widely taught structured problem-solving steps.
