Problem-solving worksheet
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Problem-solving worksheets are helpful tools therapists can use in session to support their clients in navigating significant challenges or dilemmas, so if you’re looking for a problem-solving worksheet PDF, you’re in the right place.
This guide to problem-solving worksheets for adults explains the use of problem-solving skills, provides examples, and explains different types of therapy decision-making worksheets.
You can download the free problem-solving worksheet PDF at the top of this article and save it to your electronic health record (EHR) to share with clients.
What are problem-solving skills in therapy?
First developed in the 1970s, problem-solving therapy is a practical, evidence-based approach that empowers clients to enhance their problem-solving skills to make difficult decisions or find clarity about a challenging dilemma.
The use of problem-solving worksheets in therapy can be used to treat stress, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic health issues, relational challenges, suicidal ideation, conduct disorder, self-harm, and other mental health problems.
The key components of problem-solving therapy include:
- Clarify the problem: Initially, therapists support clients in identifying the problem until clients can independently determine the issues.
- Problem definition: Defining the core issues of the problem.
- Problem-solving skill development: Generation of possible solutions.
- Decision-making: Evaluating options to solve the problem and selecting the most appropriate solution.
- Implementation: Actively implement the solution and reassess the problem.
Problem-solving interventions can enhance well-being, increase coping skills, improve emotional regulation, enhance quality of life, and improve self-efficacy.
Therapists may incorporate problem-solving worksheets into other interventions, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Types of problem-solving worksheets and activities
There are a range of problem-solving therapy worksheets that approach problem solving in a variety of ways, including:
Positive problem orientation
In this type of problem-solving worksheet PDF, the client is asked to identify the problem and their emotional response to it, and then apply optimism to address the problem.
This can help promote self-confidence through helping clients believe they can solve the problem. Additionally, it helps clients to develop an understanding that challenges can take persistent effort, and that, through committing to action, they can create ongoing positive progress.
Planful problem-solving style
This style of problem-solving worksheets enables clients to set realistic goals, evaluate obstacles, identify multiple solutions, consider pros and cons, implement the best solution, and monitor the outcome.
Self-monitoring problem-solving
In this activity, a client identifies the problem, their emotional reaction, how they handled the issue, and the outcome.
The SSTA method (Stop, Slow down, Think, and Act)
Using this method, clients can identify their internal and external triggers, immediate emotional responses, pauses, use positive self-statements, and implement solutions.
Problem-solving worksheet example
An example problem-solving formula, which is included in the downloadable problem solving worksheet PDF at the top of this article, includes the following steps:
- Describe the problem. What happened, with whom, the core issues, why you think it happened, and how you feel. You may also consider how you responded to the problem.
- Evaluate if the problem can be changed. What are ways you can influence or change the situation?
- Identify your problem-solving goal. Evaluate if the problem can be solved, whether you can improve the situation, and how a solution will improve your life or the situation.
- Describe the obstacles to reaching your goal. This section of the problem-solving worksheet includes space to identify any barriers that may get in the way of achieving your goal.
- Consider alternative options. If there are barriers to reaching your goal, consider alternative solutions that achieve an acceptable outcome.
- Evaluate the evidence. Consider the facts supporting and against your solution and alternative options.
- Decide on the best solution. Find a solution that has the best possible outcome, likelihood of working, and the least social and personal consequences.
- Implement the solution. Identify the steps to implement your solution.
- Evaluate the success of your solution. Consider the implications, and make adjustments if necessary.
How to use the problem-solving worksheet with clients
You can download the problem-solving skills worksheet, available at the top of this article, and use it in the following ways:
- In session with a client to illustrate how to problem solve
- To empower the client to identify their capacity to problem solve, generate solutions, evaluate options, and create an action plan to solve the problem on their own
- As a handout to complete the problem-solving worksheet in between sessions, then debrief at their next therapy appointment
Sources
- American Psychological Association. (2023). Dictionary. Problem-solving therapy.
- Center for Clinical Interventions (n.d.). Depression information sheets: Problem solving. Government of Western Australia.
- Cuijpers P, de Wit L, Kleiboer A, Karyotaki E, Ebert DD. (2018). Problem-solving therapy for adult depression: An updated meta-analysis. European Psychiatry.
- Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Moving forward: Problem-solving worksheet.
- Jiang, C, Zhou, H, Chen, L, & Zhou, Z. (2021).
- Problem-solving therapy improves effortful cognition in major depression. Frontiers in psychiatry.
- Le, HT, Honma, K, Annaka, H, Sun, S, & Nomura, T. (2024). Effectiveness of problem-solving therapy in improving patient mental health, function, quality of life, and mortality post-stroke: A systematic review. Behavioral sciences.
- Nezu AM, Nezu CM, D'Zurilla TJ. Problem-solving therapy: A treatment manual. New York; 2013.
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