Caffeinated

I often give my clients homework assignments relevant to skills or ideas discussed in therapy sessions. It is not uncommon for a client to struggle to attempt or complete homework. That is of course ok, and instead of reviewing progress, my clients are encouraged to identify obstacles that get in the way of doing the assignments.

I have consistently found tech savvy clients to be more motivated to attempt homework assignments when they are technology based. With a small amount of research, I came across some neat smartphone apps, and I have now replaced lame paper and pen homework assignments with trendy app assignments.

Here is an example:

If you have struggled with anxiety, your therapist likely taught you deep breathing as a way to effectively reduce the physiological symptoms of anxiety. Just as learning to ride a bike or drive a car requires practice, deep breathing should be practiced until it becomes natural to you.

I used to give a boring deep breathing homework assignment: “Practice deep breathing every day”. Now I encourage my clients to download a (free) breathing app to practice it .  Aside from the benefits of efficiency and the increased likelihood of clients doing homework, I have been told by those using the app that anxiety is more effectively managed when breathing with the app vs. breathing without it. I have tried it both ways, and I definitely agree.

Do you have an app that you find helpful in your treatment? Post it in the comments below! I would love to compile a list to share with others.