Problem solving / Behavioural therapy
This is often used together with cognitive therapy.
It is useful in counteracting the inertia that often
accompanies depression, helping people move into
more constructive therapy. It involves planning
structured activities and self-assessment of their
value.
Examples of behavioural therapy include:
A weekly activity schedule
in which each day of the week and each
hour of the day is planned with the activities,
for example "8-9 am: Get up, get dressed,
shower and get ready for the day. 9-12 noon:
Shopping, work, study, etc."
An achievement and
pleasure schedule in which activities
are graded according to how pleasurable they
are and how much effort is required. This
helps to understand that you often achieve
more than you realise, and that you do gain
enjoyment from some activities.
Graded task assignments
which involve setting and achieving a goal
such as seeing friends or getting some exercise.
Setting and achieving a goal makes us feel
good about ourselves.
