How do you reinforce behavioral change between sessions?

by Michael A. Tompkins, Ph.D.

One of the biggest challenges therapists face is finding ways to help clients practice the new and desired behaviors they have learned in therapy in the outside world. This largely means finding ways to reinforce behavioral change between therapy sessions. Set up brief telephone check-ins to prompt your client to practice a new behavior and, later, to praise what he or she accomplished.

Regularly scheduled telephone check-ins can help make the most of the time between therapy sessions by preventing your client from avoiding practicing or giving up rather than troubleshooting if he or she encounters a problem.

Design worksheets that clearly describe the behavior you want your client to practice and include a simple way (perhaps check marks) to monitor how often your client practiced the new behavior. Review these worksheets with your client at the beginning of each therapy session and praise any and all efforts to practice.

Work with your client to find others who can coach your client to practice a new behavior between therapy sessions. Arrange a meeting with your client and the designated coach to negotiate ways the coach can remind and facilitate your client to practice a new behavior as well as how the coach can praise and support your client’s practice.

Learn more about Michael Tompkins and his books.