This interactive, experiential workshop introduces Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques that support behavioral modification and activation to enhance clients’ daily functioning. Participants will explore how habit tracking, effective self-care practices, and behavioral activation serve as evidence-based interventions to increase motivation, reduce avoidance, and promote sustainable change.
Experiential exercises in this class mirror tools and strategies used in session, providing firsthand insight into how these approaches can be effectively taught to clients. Emphasizing practical application, the workshop focuses on client education, collaborative goal setting, and individualized treatment planning. Attendees will leave with adaptable, ready-to-use tools that can be immediately integrated into clinical work across a variety of settings.
https://frumtherapist.com/workshops/FromInsight/viewFrom Insight to Action:
CBT Strategies for Habit Tracking and Change, Positive Self-Care, and Behavioral Activation
Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 2:00 PM EDT - 5:00 PM EDT
Presenter: Krista Heller
Course Length: 3 Hours
This workshop Offers 3 Live Interactive Continuing Education Credits
This interactive, experiential workshop introduces Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques that support behavioral modification and activation to enhance clients’ daily functioning. Participants will explore how habit tracking, effective self-care practices, and behavioral activation serve as evidence-based interventions to increase motivation, reduce avoidance, and promote sustainable change.
Experiential exercises in this class mirror tools and strategies used in session, providing firsthand insight into how these approaches can be effectively taught to clients. Emphasizing practical application, the workshop focuses on client education, collaborative goal setting, and individualized treatment planning. Attendees will leave with adaptable, ready-to-use tools that can be immediately integrated into clinical work across a variety of settings.
Time: 15 minutes
Objectives:
Presenter will introduce herself to attendees and other presenters (if applicable)
Review the training objectives and structure of the class
Create guidelines and establish expectations for group participation
Have a discussion with the group asking, “What do many of your clients wish to change in their daily lives?” Also, “What barriers do they face in changing their behaviors?”
2. Foundations of CBT and Behavioral Modification
Time: 35 minutes
Content (through use of slides and group discussion):
Overview of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles
The CBT model: thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
Behavioral modification and reinforcement principles
Understanding avoidance, motivation, and habit formation
Interactive and Experiential Activity:
Participants identify behavioral changes they want to make, and struggle to make for themselves. Then identify ways to reduce avoidance and increase motivation by connecting CBT techniques and behavioral/habit tracking.
Time: 35 minutes
Content (given through lecture and a case example):
Behavioral activation and its role in improving daily functioning
How avoidance maintains depression and anxiety
Identifying values-based, interests-based, and reinforcing activities
Activity scheduling and habit tracking as a therapeutic tool
Experiential Activity:
Participants fill out a daily Behavioral Activation sheet with morning, midday, and evening slots for activities.
Time: 30 minutes
Content (provided through lecture, slides, and experiential activity):
Why habit tracking supports behavioral modification
Increasing awareness of behavioral patterns through self-reflection, self-awareness, and journaling.
"The Four Laws of Behavior Change" from James Clear's "Atomic Habits"
Experiential Activity:
Participants use the personal habit tracking and behavioral activation plan they created (from Part 3) to journal about what behavioral changes they hope to see and how they will set and work towards their intentions.
Time: 25 minutes
Content (through lecture and group discussion):
Reframing self-care as a behavioral health intervention
Identifying realistic, sustainable self-care behaviors and goals
Addressing common client barriers to self-care
Discussion Prompt:
“When you talk with clients about self-care, what are their common misconceptions, assumptions, and responses to the information you all provide?
Follow up: “How can you, as clinicians, make the concepts of behavioral implementation more practical and reachable for them?”
Time: 35 minutes
Content (through an experiential exercise and group activity):
Apply CBT techniques collaboratively with clients
Combining Habit Tracking, Self-Care Planning, Setting Intentions, and Behavioral Activation
Activity:
Participants break off into groups of 2 having one person be the client and the other being the clinician. They work together to create the following:
A behavioral activation plan
A habit tracking strategy
A self-care plan and reward system
The groups will get 10 minutes for the first person being the client, then they will switch. Once the time is up, groups will briefly share their approach with the larger group.
Time: 20 minutes
Content (through lecture and discussion):
Ethical considerations when recommending behavioral interventions
Cultural factors influencing self-care and behavior change
Addressing barriers such as time, access, motivation, and socioeconomic limitations
Discussion Prompt:
“What adaptations might be necessary when implementing these tools with diverse client populations?”
Time: 15 minutes
Content (through open Q&A and a reflection exercise):
Key takeaways and practical strategies
How to immediately integrate these tools into clinical practice
Closing Activity:
Participants identify one CBT behavioral tool they will implement in their clinical work within the next month.
