Psychologists have found that there is a close relationship between our activity and our mood. People who are depressed tend to do less overall so they have fewer opportunities to feel pleasure, mastery, and connection. This training will present an overview of the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder and discuss relevant assessment tools. Participants will be introduced to the tenets of behavioral activation as one of the most evidenced-based approaches for depression. Behavioral activation strategies such as activity scheduling, ACE, pacing yourself, and credit lists will be explored. Case studies and video demonstrations will highlight these core strategies. Participants will be empowered to employ behavioral activation strategies with their clients systematically and effectively.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be better able to:
- Identify and classify the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder.
- Explain the philosophical tenets of behavioral activation and its primary goals.
- Employ behavioral activation strategies with clients to treat depression.
Syllabus:
Overview and Learning Objectives
- Understand DSM-5 criteria for Major Depressive Disorder
- Explore the philosophical foundation and rationale for behavioral activation (BA)
- Apply BA interventions in treatment planning and clinical work
Objective #1: Understanding Depression and Its Maintenance
- Examine how withdrawal and inactivity maintain depressive symptoms
- Discuss avoidance cycles and how they reduce positive reinforcement
- Introduce key assessment tools: BDI, DASS-21, Burns Inventory, and BA scales
Objective #2: Core Concepts of Behavioral Activation
- Highlight that action precedes emotion
- Review the behaviorism triad: avoidance, isolation, and mood-depressing behaviors
- Emphasize the importance of doing before feeling motivated
Objective #3: Theoretical Foundations of BA
- Present context and behavior as targets rather than cognition alone
- Compare cognitive restructuring with behavior-first approaches
- Focus on empirical, action-oriented treatment strategies
Objective #4: Ten Principles of Behavioral Activation
- Behavior change drives emotional change
- Structure behavior based on values, not mood
- Start small and reinforce naturally occurring rewards
- Coach with compassion and troubleshoot barriers
Objective #5: Treatment Targets and Techniques
- Identify client values, goals, and daily activity patterns
- Use activity scheduling and pleasure/mastery tracking
- Address avoidance with gradual exposure and team-based planning
- Monitor progress through assignments and charts
Objective #6: Step-by-Step Implementation of BA
- Provide client rationale and motivation
- Collaboratively select pleasant and purposeful activities
- Develop action plans and monitor improvement in mood and confidence
Objective #7: Case Applications and Conceptualization
- Explore the treatment journey of Mr. X from pharmacotherapy to BA
- Use the TRAP/TRAC framework to shift maladaptive patterns
- Highlight Samuel’s activity scheduling and mood tracking outcomes
- Share Debbie and Jim’s client stories to illustrate BA’s effectiveness
Objective #8: Addressing Common Barriers and Misconceptions
- Educate on why motivation isn’t required to start
- Utilize behavioral experiments and values-based action
- Provide support through reinforcement, affirmations, and pacing
Objective #9: Integrating Values with Behavioral Goals
- Clarify long-term values as anchors for behavior change
- Link values to everyday tasks and promote life meaning
- Reinforce client empowerment and ownership of progress
Resources and Tools for Clinicians
- Offer worksheets: activity schedules, values inventories, mastery charts
- Share recommended manuals, workbooks, and video demonstrations
- Provide links to BA toolkits and evidence-based treatment guidelines
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW
Recording Date: 2/24/2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com