Homework assignments are a core component of many therapy approaches including CBT, DBT, and behavioral activation. This template helps clinicians assign, document, and track between-session activities that support treatment goals.
Part of our therapy notes templates collection.
Client Name: Date Assigned: Homework Assignment: Purpose/Rationale: Instructions: Expected Duration/Frequency: Related Treatment Goal: Completion Tracking: Completed: Yes / No / Partially Client Feedback: Barriers Encountered: Follow-Up Date: Therapist Notes:
Assignment
Complete a daily thought record for one week. Record at least one situation per day where anxiety was triggered, including the automatic thought, evidence for and against, and an alternative thought.
Purpose
Practice cognitive restructuring skills learned in session. Build awareness of automatic thought patterns and develop ability to generate balanced alternatives independently.
Instructions
Use the thought record worksheet provided. Complete at least one entry per day, ideally soon after noticing anxiety. Bring completed records to next session for review.
Related Goal
Goal 1: Reduce anxiety symptoms. Objective: Client will identify and challenge cognitive distortions at least 3 times per week.
Follow-Up
Review thought records at next session. Discuss patterns noticed. Address any barriers to completion. Adjust assignment difficulty if needed.
Thought records and cognitive restructuring worksheets
Behavioral experiments
Relaxation and mindfulness exercises
Activity scheduling and behavioral activation
Exposure tasks (graded exposure hierarchies)
Journaling and self-monitoring
Skill practice worksheets (DBT skills, communication skills)
Psychoeducation reading assignments
CBT Homework
Complete a thought record identifying 3 automatic thoughts per day, examining evidence for and against each thought.
Reflection Homework
Write a journal entry about one positive interaction this week, noting what went well and how it felt.
Behavioral Homework
Practice one assertive communication skill in a low-stakes situation and document the outcome.
Mindfulness Homework
Complete a 5-minute guided breathing exercise each morning before starting the day.
Explain the rationale clearly to improve completion rates
Start with small, achievable assignments
Connect homework to specific treatment goals
Review homework at the start of each session
Address barriers to completion without judgment
Adjust difficulty based on client feedback
No credit card required.
Therapy homework refers to between-session activities assigned by the therapist to reinforce skills learned in session, practice new behaviors, or collect data for treatment planning. It is a core component of CBT and many other evidence-based approaches.
Homework extends therapeutic work beyond the session, helping clients practice skills in real-world situations. Research shows that homework completion is associated with better therapy outcomes.
Common homework includes thought records, behavioral experiments, relaxation exercises, journaling, activity scheduling, exposure tasks, and skill practice worksheets.
Yes. Documenting homework assignments, completion rates, and outcomes helps track treatment engagement and provides data for adjusting treatment approaches.
Generate structured therapy notes in minutes — no session recording required.