Between-session practice that turns insight into skill. In CBT, homework is not schoolwork; it is where the client tests ideas, practices new behavior and gathers data. Good assignments are collaborative, concrete, achievable and reviewed in the next session.
Step-by-step guide
- Link the assignment to the session focus.
- Offer the task collaboratively rather than ordering it.
- Define exactly what, when and how often.
- Check likelihood of completion from 0 to 100%.
- If likelihood is below 70%, simplify.
- Write the task down.
- Review it at the start of the next session.
When to use
- Almost all CBT sessions
- Skill consolidation
- Behavioral experiments
- Thought records and monitoring
- Relapse prevention
Key phrases
What would be a small task that continues today's work between now and next session?
Follow-up questions
How likely are you to do this, from 0 to 100?
What could get in the way?
Should we make it smaller?
Alternative phrasings
This is an experiment, not a test.
If it does not happen, we will learn from the barrier.
Warnings
- ⚠️ Do not assign homework without agreement.
- ⚠️ Do not shame non-completion.
- ⚠️ Do not give too many tasks at once.
- ⚠️ Always review homework; otherwise it loses meaning.
Source: Beck et al. 1979; J. Beck, 1995
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.