Behavior Activation (BA)

Behavioral activation is a treatment for depression but is also used in combination with other treatment modalities. Low mood and low motivation experienced by those suffering from depression creates avoidant behaviors. Clients no longer want to leave their home or bed. As they avoid potential triggers that make them feel more depressed, they inadvertently avoid stimuli that would help reduce their depressive symptoms over time. The avoidance allows the client to avoid discomfort in the short term only. However, over time the client also avoids pleasant events and the client’s threshold for discomfort reduces. They become overwhelmed easily.

While engaging in behavioral activation, the client works with the provider in identifying the behaviors that are being avoided and the behaviors the client might find pleasant or reinforcing. The client will slowly engage in the behaviors they wish to avoid while engaging in activities they believe might be desirable or used to find desirable.

We often will have clients also complete a values assessment. It is very important that the behavioral activation homework the client completes is in line with their values. Typically, the longer someone experiences depression, they isolate over time and much of their values go to the wayside. Reminding clients of what they value will at least help them have some insight and motivation to complete treatment.