We’ve all heard the maxim “just do what you love”. But that’s often easier said than done. Especially for so many of our depressed clients! Behavioral activation helps clients form the habit of engaging in valued activities to improve mood. And research shows it to be highly effective!
Extensive evidence from older behavioral studies and newer research on maximizing positive emotions show that engaging in such activities can minimize depressive symptoms and even buffer against them. So how can we get clients to start to engage in these behaviors?
Behavioral activation approaches this task by starting small. Therapist and client try out activities (however small) that are or enjoyable or create meaning for the person. Activities can be anything from doing crafts, going for a hike, or having coffee with a friend.
It is crucial to select activities with the client’s input and that are consistent with what they value. For example, there is evidence that exercise can help improve mood. But if a client cares little about nor likes exercise, exercising will not be repeated nor help their mood.
During sessions, clients review tracked changes in mood that go along with gradual increases in activity. As the client sees benefit in therapy and in life, activating behaviors usually become highly reinforced. A snowball effect occurs: continued upward increased activating behaviors fosters continued improved mood. The client then learns how to maintain this pattern for continued benefit.
This approach was actually baked into Aaron Beck’s original cognitive therapy. It intended to kick-off depression treatment by finding early boosts in mood before the client learns to challenge negative thoughts and beliefs.
Research has found that behavioral activation is also highly effective as a stand alone therapy for depression. There is initial evidence that it is also highly effective for prolonged grief disorder. It appears to help clients reconnect with a sense of identity after loss.
This method is not as simple as it sounds, though. There is a specific method for conducting it effectively. Luckily, there is a good behavioral activation training by the University of Washington (one of our mental health power houses!). There are also good books for therapists (adults or adolescents) or a helpful pamphlet for clients‘ understanding.
You may have clients who appear depressed without a clear pattern of negative thinking. Or you may just want a new approach to help. Behavioral activation is a highly effective and straightforward approach to help clients find movement and boost mood.
