Is it a Problem if Clients Won't Do Paperwork?

It is easy to get the impression that CT involves getting clients to complete dozens and dozens of different forms. With clients who are willing to do so, this isn't a problem but what about clients who aren't willing to fill out form after form?

It is important to remember that there isn't any unique magic in writing words on paper. Written forms have some advantages, for example: they make it easier for the client to remember the assignment, they provide structure which many clients find helpful, they make it easier for the therapist to get detailed information about happened between sessions, and they make it easier to describe intervention techniques when you are writing a book. However, most interventions can be done effectively without having the client fill out forms.

If the client is willing to do behavioral experiments, test hypotheses, and practice coping skills but is reluctant to complete written assignments, then I would usually minimize the use of written assignments and rely more on these other interventions. (It doesn't have to be written down to be valuable as homework.) This can be important when working with populations which tend to be less receptive to written assignments (such as: adolescents, blue-collar clients, clients with limited education, etc.).

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