Facilitating Homework and Generalization of Skills to the Real World

Homework is a key component for cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for youth anxiety and depressive disorders, as it facilitates the practice and generalization of therapeutic skills to the environment. In addition to skills practice, homework for anxiety includes out-of-session exposure tasks, whereas homework for depression can consist of a mood log and pleasant activity scheduling. CBT homework is an individually relevant and collaborative process that is personalized to the unique needs and goals of the youth. Parent involvement and appropriate reinforcement are important considerations. Therapists can prepare for obstacles to homework such as non-compliance and difficulty applying skills outside of therapy.

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Citing Literature

Evidence‐Based CBT for Anxiety and Depression in Children and Adolescents: A Competencies‐Based Approach