Will My Therapist Give Me Homework?
Posted: December 23, 2024
By: Natasha Cooke, MA, LPC Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
What Does Therapy Homework Entail?
As a therapist myself, I follow a client-centered approach in which I encourage clients to set goals or “homework” for themselves over the course of the week or weeks before their next session. Many of my clients choose their own goals. Some common examples of goals, AKA “homework,” include participating in self-care, journaling, practicing healthy coping skills, making plans to socialize, or even plans to just relax and recharge after a stressful day. When working with couples, I often urge my clients to make time to prioritize date nights, do daily or weekly check-ins, or practice meeting each other’s love language needs.
Other therapists might include more specific or traditional forms of homework such as giving clients worksheets or questionnaires to complete in between sessions. Another common form of therapy “homework,” is asking clients to read a book or article about a topic specific to their situation.
More Examples of Therapy Homework/Goals
Some therapists, such as I, encourage clients to make small attainable goals for themselves versus making larger, more difficult-to-accomplish goals. For instance, instead of “start working out this week,” the goal for that particular week could be “research nearby gyms, other forms of exercise classes, or come up with a workout routine with a friend.” In my experience, making smaller and more specific goals leads to more client success. Another note to keep in mind is that not completing goals or homework does not mean that you should not go to a session. In fact, I often laugh with my clients about how they had every intention of completing a goal but simply forgot to do so.
On the flip side, some clients prefer more general goals, such as “practice positive affirmations, notice anxiety triggers, or be more kind to a loved one.”
Still, other clients opt for “no homework” or no goals and instead make the focus to take one day at a time or continue to be consistent with therapy – and that’s fine too.
Will My Therapist Give Me Homework?
Right now, you’re thinking about therapy but wondering how much work it is. Or you’ve recently began therapy and are afraid that it might be more work than you initially anticipated. In another scenario – you’re trying to convince someone you care deeply about that therapy is worthwhile and does not carry the negative connotation many movies and TV shows portray it has. So, you have a pressing question; do therapists assign homework? Unfortunately, the answer to this question isn’t as straightforward as you might have hoped. However, I believe that’s good news. In other words, it depends on the kind of therapist you are seeing, why you are coming in, what your therapist’s general philosophy about homework is, and your personal preference as the client.What Does Therapy Homework Entail?
As a therapist myself, I follow a client-centered approach in which I encourage clients to set goals or “homework” for themselves over the course of the week or weeks before their next session. Many of my clients choose their own goals. Some common examples of goals, AKA “homework,” include participating in self-care, journaling, practicing healthy coping skills, making plans to socialize, or even plans to just relax and recharge after a stressful day. When working with couples, I often urge my clients to make time to prioritize date nights, do daily or weekly check-ins, or practice meeting each other’s love language needs.
Other therapists might include more specific or traditional forms of homework such as giving clients worksheets or questionnaires to complete in between sessions. Another common form of therapy “homework,” is asking clients to read a book or article about a topic specific to their situation.
More Examples of Therapy Homework/Goals
Some therapists, such as I, encourage clients to make small attainable goals for themselves versus making larger, more difficult-to-accomplish goals. For instance, instead of “start working out this week,” the goal for that particular week could be “research nearby gyms, other forms of exercise classes, or come up with a workout routine with a friend.” In my experience, making smaller and more specific goals leads to more client success. Another note to keep in mind is that not completing goals or homework does not mean that you should not go to a session. In fact, I often laugh with my clients about how they had every intention of completing a goal but simply forgot to do so.
On the flip side, some clients prefer more general goals, such as “practice positive affirmations, notice anxiety triggers, or be more kind to a loved one.”
Still, other clients opt for “no homework” or no goals and instead make the focus to take one day at a time or continue to be consistent with therapy – and that’s fine too.
The Takeaway About Therapy Homework
Numerous of my clients report that having therapy homework, AKA goals, helps them to feel they are taking what they learn in therapy and applying it to their everyday lives. While it’s wonderful to have a safe space in therapy to air out intense feelings or acquire viable coping skills in session every week, the reality is that much of one’s growth will take place outside of sessions. The takeaway here is to not let therapy “homework” deter you from seeking help to better your life and improve your mental health. After all, treatment plans should be collaborative and keep the client’s best interests in mind – whether that includes homework or not!Begin Therapy in Katy, TX!
If you are ready to start working on bettering yourself, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:- Contact our office to set up an appointment or to learn more information
- Meet with one of our knowledgeable therapists
- Find ways to thrive through therapy today!