Problem Solving Therapy Worksheet

What are Problem-Solving Therapy Worksheets?

Problem-solving therapy is an umbrella term for psychosocial interventions that aim to develop practical skills for managing difficult situations. It is often used in the treatment of patients with preexisting internalizing disorders such as depression, generalized anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

This problem-solving worksheet is designed to help mental health professionals teach clients more adaptive coping strategies. By guiding clients to independently identify effective solutions, these worksheets help build a psychological buffer against stressful situations and the associated negative feelings.

Building these skills is an effective treatment strategy for clients who display maladaptive coping skills when faced with complex problems. Alongside enhancing problem solving skills, this worksheet is designed to promote the client's confidence in their ability to weather traumatic events, thus promoting self efficacy and reducing the impact of stress.

Effective problem-solving skills are crucial to mental health. These skills are essential for managing stress and frustration and preventing more severe psychological consequences, such as the onset of depressive symptoms. This resource helps clients rationalize the problem and its solutions, and generate actionable steps to applying their solution.

How to use the Problem Solving Therapy Worksheet

This worksheet has been formulated to help clients break down the problem solving process into manageable steps. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Access the worksheet

Access the worksheet template online via the "Use template" button on this page or by searching for the template in Carepatron's free template library, where you can customize it to your needs. You can also get a ready-to-use fillable PDF by clicking "Download."

Step 2: Define the problem

Instruct the client to identify the issue or challenge that needs to be addressed. Work with them to analyze the causes, exacerbating factors, and potential consequences and effects. This helps to contextualize the problem, but help the client to avoid "spiraling" thought patterns or recording unlikely or unrealistic potential consequences or anxieties. Identify an overarching final goal for the problem solving process.

Step 3: Explore relevant emotions

Instruct the client to use the next section to explore the emotions associated with this problem. Work with the client to distinguish rational and irrational cognitive processes that underpin these feelings.

Step 4: Generate potential solutions

Help the client to brainstorm and list possible ways to address the problem. What parts of the problem are within the client's control? Identify what aspects of the problem each solution may solve or alleviate and which solutions may conflict with overall goals.

Step 5: Select the best solution(s)

The client should then evaluate the suggested solutions and choose the most effective one(s) based on feasibility, overall goals, and impact. Consider the pros and cons of the chosen solution, as well as any possible unintended consequences or negative impacts.

Step 6: Create an action plan

Finally, support the client to break down the practical steps of implementing this solution. They should also consider ways to alleviate emotional and cognitive distress associated with the problem and its solution. Identify members of their support system who could be helpful. If appropriate, encourage them to formulate a backup plan or alternative solutions in case the first solution is not successful.

Benefits of the Problem Solving Therapy Worksheet

This worksheet is a helpful resource for therapists and counselors to assess their client's problem-solving ability and to promote the implementation of a more effective problem-solving process. Here are some of the key benefits:

Builds self-awareness and confidence

These worksheets help clients recognize triggers for negative emotions and learn tools for managing them. By providing simple techniques for effective decision making, this worksheet can guide client's to build confidence in their ability to handle difficulties, as well as self-compassion and independence.

Systematic approach

This worksheet offers a systematic approach to generating solutions, providing a relatively efficient treatment strategy to help clients regain a sense of control and reduce anxiety. This structured layout breaks down the process of problem-solving skill development into more achievable steps.

Promotes cognitive reframing

This activity is designed to support therapists to implement cognitive reframing strategies. These challenge the client's perception of life stressors as insurmountable obstacles, instead promoting a more adaptive view of problems as manageable and solvable.

Wide therapeutic scope

While this activity is designed to help clients address specific problems, it also teaches techniques for emotional and behavioral regulation that are widely applicable to various difficulties. Practicing coping skills can be generally beneficial for a variety of issues, such as dealing with depression, managing anger, calming anxiety, and improving communication.

Promotes therapeutic alliance

This worksheet supports the therapist and client to work systematically and collaboratively to solve problems. This promotes a shared understanding of the problem, facilitating the development of trust and an effective therapeutic relationship.