Behavior OnLine Forums  
The gathering place for Mental Health and
Applied Behavior Science Professionals.
 
Become a charter member of Behavior OnLine.

Go Back   Behavior OnLine Forums > >

Notices

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old October 21st, 2010, 09:38 PM
James Pretzer James Pretzer is offline
Forum Leader
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 283
Default Using homework in CBT

The October, 2010 edition of Advances in Cognitive Therapy (the newsletter of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy and the International Association of Cognitive Psychotherapy) is a special issue on homework in CT. Here are a few highlights:
  • Homework assignments are a core feature of Beck's CBT but some studies have found weak correlations between homework compliance and treatment outcome. This has led some to question the importance of homework and even recommend that it be removed from CT. Kazantzis and Petrik (2010) discuss the available evidence and conclude a) many of the studies finding weak relationships between homework compliance and treatment outcome are hampered by small sample sizes, b) quality of homework may be more important than quantity of homework completed, and c) meta-analysis provides evidence of a medium-sized relationship (d=.48) relationship between homework compliance and treatment outcome.
  • A variety of suggestions are made for improving homework compliance: Tomkins recommends giving a clear rationale for the assignment, making the assignment doable, and providing the client with written homework instructions. Callan et al., recommend using technological interventions (email reminders, alarms, apps on cell phones, etc.) to promote homework adherence. Brodman and Kendall emphasize the importance of collaboration, recommend not calling it "homework" especially with kids, responding to non-compliance with discussion and problem-solving, and rewarding compliance. Kassler et al., recommend using the principles of Motivational Interviewing and using principles of collaboration and collaborative empiricism in selecting, planning, and reviewing homework assignments.
I'd add that clients are much more likely to follow through on homework if:
  1. Assignments are clearly relevant to goals that are meaningful to the client.
  2. The therapist asks the client what is likely to interfere with their completing the assignment and then helps plan ways to overcome those impediments.
  3. The therapist makes a point of remembering what the assignment was, reviews it at the next appointment, and makes sure that the client recognizes how completing the assignment was useful in working towards their goals.
More on homework in CBT, can be found in the Forum archives at http://www.behavior.net/forums/cogni...96/msg268.html.

Also, the "Action Plan" and "Behavioral Experiment" forms from Mind over Mood can be very useful.

Last edited by James Pretzer; September 22nd, 2011 at 03:52 PM.. Reason: typo
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old January 27th, 2011, 02:39 PM
James Pretzer James Pretzer is offline
Forum Leader
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 283
Default Updated suggestions for successful "Home Practice"

  1. Avoid the term "Homework" (except with individuals who like homework and do it consistently).
  2. Watch for counterproductive attitudes (yours or theirs).
  3. Provide a clear rationale that they can relate to (such as learning a sport, learning to play an instrument, or learning to cook).
  4. Develop assignments collaboratively.
  5. Tailor assignments to the individual.
  6. Make sure that they see a clear connection between the assignments and their goals.
  7. Keep assignments realistic and manageable.
  8. Anticipate impediments and plan how to deal with them.
  9. Consider using the Action Plan form, setting up reminders, and/or involving significant others.
  10. Describe, demonstrate, do, and discuss.
  11. Ask if they have any objections and take any objections seriously.
  12. In the next session remember the assignment, find out if they did it, what the results were, and what conclusions they draw from it.
  13. If they didn't do the assignment, pick a time when they thought of doing the assignment but ended up not doing it.
Have them describe the situation, what led up to it, and how they were feeling, then ask what thoughts went through their head.
Notice what stopped them from completing the assignment.
Jointly figure out what changes to make so that they'll be successful in completing the assignment.
At the end of the session, make sure they remember what the assignment is and what the point to it is. Make sure that they are willing to complete the assignment and feel capable of doing so. If not, revise the assignment

Last edited by James Pretzer; January 27th, 2011 at 02:44 PM.. Reason: to fix formatting
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old May 22nd, 2011, 04:45 AM
Fionnula MacLiam Fionnula MacLiam is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Ireland
Posts: 15
Default Re: Updated suggestions for successful "Home Practice"

Make sure they take away a written note of what the homework is: I find this really improves homework rates - also practice in-session if possible, as this may point to difficulties they'll have on their own.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old May 26th, 2011, 03:07 PM
James Pretzer James Pretzer is offline
Forum Leader
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 283
Default Re: Using homework in CBT

Good points. The "action Plan" form from Mind Over Mood provides a good format for writing down the assignment, what the point of the assignment is, and anticipating likely problems.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:00 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright © 1995-2023 Liviant Internet LLC. All rights reserved.