This Action Items Template helps therapists, psychologists, and counselors clearly define and track client-assigned tasks or 'homework' between sessions. It ensures clients have actionable steps to work on, improving accountability and facilitating progress towards their treatment goals, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of therapy.
Client & Session Details
Sarah Johnson
Enter the full name of the client.2023-10-27
Record the date of the session where action items were assigned.Dr. Emily White
State the name of the therapist conducting the session.Action Item Assignment
Practice 3 deep breathing exercises when feeling anxious.
Detail the specific task assigned to the client.To reduce anxiety symptoms and increase coping skills.
Explain the therapeutic goal this action item addresses.Before next session (2023-11-03)
Specify the date by which the action item should be completed.Link to guided meditation app; handout on CBT thought records.
List any materials or tools given to the client to assist with the task.Client Understanding & Commitment
Client verbally confirmed understanding of the breathing technique and its purpose.
Document the client's expressed comprehension of the assigned task.Expressed concern about finding quiet time during the day.
Note any potential obstacles the client anticipates in completing the action item.8 (Client feels motivated but acknowledges time constraint)
Rate the client's commitment to completing the task on a scale of 1 to 10.Review & Follow-up (Next Session)
Completed (4/5 times), Partially Completed, Not Started
Indicate whether the client completed the action item as assigned.Found breathing exercises helpful, especially before bed. Difficulty remembering during work.
Record the client's experience and feedback regarding the action item.Client demonstrated improved self-awareness regarding anxiety triggers. Good progress.
Provide the therapist's clinical assessment of the client's engagement and outcome related to the task.Suggest setting a reminder on phone. Assign similar task with modified frequency.
Outline any modifications to the action item or new tasks for the upcoming period.How to Use This Template
- Open the Action Items Template in CraftNote after discussing homework with your client.
- Fill in the 'Client & Session Details' accurately to ensure proper record-keeping and easy retrieval.
- Clearly articulate each 'Action Item Assignment', including the specific task, its therapeutic rationale, and the agreed-upon due date.
- Document the client's 'Understanding & Commitment' to the task, addressing any potential barriers, to foster a collaborative approach.
- During the subsequent session, review the 'Completion Status' and 'Client Feedback', updating the template to reflect progress and inform future treatment plans.
Customization Tips
- Add a 'Severity Scale' field for clients to rate the intensity of symptoms before and after completing an action item, providing quantifiable progress data.
- Integrate specific therapeutic modality sections, such as 'CBT Thought Records' or 'DBT Skill Practice', to tailor action items to your theoretical orientation.
- Create a 'Caregiver/Family Action Items' section for family therapy sessions, outlining tasks for multiple individuals involved in treatment.