A Therapist’s Guide to Clinical Use and Documentation

‍Introduction to activities list worksheet

In the landscape of therapeutic interventions, simplicity is often the most powerful tool. The Activity List worksheet is a prime example—a straightforward, single-page resource that provides a strong foundation for behavioral change. At its core, this worksheet is a curated list of 48 accessible activities designed to help clients have fun, relax, or get moving.

While it may appear basic, its clinical utility is broad. It is an indispensable, time-saving asset for therapists working with individuals, couples, and groups across a range of presenting concerns.

Most commonly, the Activity List is used within a Behavioral Activation (BA) framework, a cornerstone of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for depression. However, its applications extend far beyond a single modality. Therapists use it to:

• Address loneliness and social withdrawal
• Build coping strategies for anxiety
• Support distress tolerance skills in DBT
• Brainstorm shared activities in couples counseling

By offering a structured, non-intimidating menu of options, the worksheet overcomes a common clinical barrier: clients—especially those experiencing anhedonia or executive dysfunction—often report that they “don’t know what to do.” This ready-to-use format saves session time on brainstorming and allows therapists to move directly into collaborative planning and action.

What activities list worksheet covers?

The strength of the Activity List lies in its elegantly simple design. It presents a diverse range of 48 activities without overwhelming the client. The worksheet avoids complex instructions, allowing for flexibility in how it is applied.

Although the activities are not explicitly categorized on the page, they can be therapeutically grouped to support targeted interventions.

A Diverse Menu of Actionable Ideas

The core of the worksheet is a numbered list spanning multiple life domains. This structure externalizes the brainstorming process and provides concrete, achievable options. Activities range from low-energy tasks to more engaging or social pursuits, including:

• Relaxing and Mindful Activities
  Examples include listening to music, taking a bath or shower, or watching the clouds. These are ideal for grounding, stress reduction, and mindfulness—especially for clients with high anxiety or low energy.
  
• Creative and Pleasurable Pursuits
  Activities such as drawing, writing, or cooking a new recipe help restore the link between action and positive reinforcement, a connection often disrupted by depression.
  
• Physical and Active Engagement
  Gentle movement options like walking, stretching, or yard work counteract lethargy and physical stagnation while remaining accessible.
  
• Social and Connection-Oriented Options
  Suggestions such as calling a friend, planning a get-together, or visiting a coffee shop provide structured prompts for rebuilding social connection and addressing isolation.
  

Open-Ended Application for Personalized Care

The worksheet’s value is unlocked through therapeutic guidance. It functions as a catalyst for discussion and planning rather than a prescriptive checklist.

Therapists may ask clients to:

• Circle activities they’ve enjoyed before
• Rate activities by difficulty or appeal
• Select one or two to schedule for the coming week

This flexibility fosters collaboration, increases client agency, and aligns directly with individualized treatment goals.

When to Use Activities List Worksheet

The Activity List is versatile, but its impact is greatest when introduced at the right clinical moment. It is particularly effective for moving clients from rumination and inactivity toward purposeful behavior.

Ideal Client Profile

This worksheet is well suited for clients experiencing:

• Anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure)
• Avolition and passivity
• Social isolation or loneliness
• Limited coping skills, especially reliance on avoidance or maladaptive behaviors
• Overwhelm or decision fatigue, where open-ended questions feel paralyzing

Treatment Scenarios

Common and effective use cases include:

• Depression management: As a foundational Behavioral Activation tool
• Anxiety treatment: To compete with rumination and schedule grounding activities
• Couples counseling: To help partners brainstorm shared experiences
• Substance use treatment: As a relapse prevention tool for planning alternative behaviors during cravings

Best-Fit Modalities

The worksheet integrates seamlessly with:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Behavioral Activation protocols
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) (especially ACCEPTS skills)
• Integrative or eclectic approaches

Contraindications

Avoid using the Activity List during acute crises (e.g., active suicidality or psychosis), where stabilization and safety planning are the priority. It may also be less effective when severe practical barriers (financial, physical, environmental) must be addressed first.

Introducing the Activities List Worksheet to Clients

Client buy-in depends heavily on framing. Present the Activity List as a collaborative experiment, not a prescription for fun or productivity.

Example Introductions

For a client with depression:

“When your mood and energy are low, it can feel impossible to think of things to do. This isn’t a to-do list—it’s just a menu of ideas we can look at together to see what feels possible this week.”

For a client with social anxiety:

“This list has ideas ranging from very small steps to bigger ones. We can circle the ones that feel least intimidating and start there.”

For couples feeling disconnected:

“Let’s each circle a few activities that sound mildly interesting and compare. This is just a low-pressure way to generate ideas for reconnecting.”

Always validate resistance. If a client says, “Nothing on here looks fun,” respond with empathy and normalize anhedonia. Emphasize that action often precedes motivation, not the other way around.

Clinical Implementation Guide for Activities List Worksheet

The Activity List becomes a therapeutic intervention when used intentionally.

In-Session Use

Dedicate 10–15 minutes to collaborative review.

1. Review and Rate
   Circle past enjoyable activities, star ones that feel possible now, and cross out those that feel impossible.
   
2. Explore Barriers
   Discuss what might get in the way and problem-solve proactively.
   
3. Schedule the Experiment
   Select 1–2 activities and schedule them with clear details (day, time, duration).
   

As Homework

Frame assignments as behavioral experiments, not performance goals. Ask clients to observe their experience before, during, and after the activity—without pressure for enjoyment.

Processing Responses

In follow-up sessions:

• Reinforce effort and mastery
• Explore even small shifts in mood or energy
• Approach non-completion with curiosity, not judgment

Common Challenges

• “I didn’t have time.”
  Break the activity down further (e.g., 2 minutes instead of 10).
  
  
• “I didn’t feel better.”
  Normalize this and emphasize consistency over immediate results.
  

Clinical Documentation for Activities List Worksheet

The Activity List supports clear, defensible documentation tied to treatment goals.

Progress Note Examples

DAP Example (Depression / Behavioral Activation)

• Data: Client reports anhedonia and low motivation (PHQ-9 = 18).
• Assessment: Behavioral avoidance contributing to depressive symptoms.
• Plan: Introduced Activity List. Client selected three low-effort activities to attempt before next session.

GIRP Example (Anxiety / Coping Skills)

• Goal: Increase use of adaptive coping strategies.
• Intervention: Used Activity List to identify healthy distractions.
• Response: Client expressed relief at having concrete options.
• Plan: Client will try one activity during next anxiety spike.

Treatment Plan Integration

• Goal: Reduce depressive symptoms
• Objective: Engage in at least two scheduled activities per week
• Intervention: Behavioral Activation using Activity List worksheet

Adaptations and Special Considerations for Activities List Worksheet

Developmental Adaptations

For children or adolescents, use visuals or create a developmentally relevant list. Add items such as podcasts, games, or online social activities.

Cultural Sensitivity

Invite clients to identify culturally meaningful or community-based activities and add them to the list. Co-creation increases relevance and engagement.

Telehealth Use

The worksheet works well via screen-sharing and annotation tools. Clients can also receive a copy before sessions for review.

Frequently Asked Questions for Activities List Worksheet

What if none of the activities feel interesting?

Validate the experience and shift the focus from pleasure to experimentation. Start with the least aversive option and treat it as data-gathering.

How is this different from telling clients to “do something fun”?

The Activity List reduces decision fatigue, externalizes brainstorming, and embeds action within a therapeutic framework rather than offering vague advice.

Can it be used for anxiety?

Yes. It supports distraction, grounding, exposure planning, and behavioral competition with worry.

How many activities should clients choose?

Start small—one to three per week. Early success builds momentum.

How do I track progress?

Document completed activities, client feedback, and links to treatment goals over time.

Conclusion

The Activity List worksheet demonstrates the power of structured simplicity. In the hands of a skilled therapist, it becomes a dynamic tool for restoring hope, building momentum, and helping clients move from knowing to doing.

By offering a concrete starting point, it saves time, reduces overwhelm, and supports evidence-based behavioral change across modalities and client populations. Its adaptability makes it a reliable, go-to resource for clinicians helping clients take meaningful first steps toward a more engaged and rewarding life.

References for Activities List Worksheet

Lejuez, C. W., Hopko, D. R., & Hopko, S. D. (2001).

A brief behavioral activation treatment for depression: Treatment manual.

Behavior Modification, 25(2), 255–286.