Avoidance
Behavioral Experiment for Making a Reversible Low-Stakes Decision
Provides a structured exercise for practicing decision-making and tolerating the outcome.
For the client stuck in indecision, even reversible, low-stakes choices can trigger significant distress and avoidance. They may spend hours researching minor purchases or constantly seek reassurance before committing to a simple plan. This chronic hesitation reinforces their belief that they are incapable of making good decisions, keeping them trapped in a pattern of inaction and anxiety.
This directive provides a structured, contained exercise for breaking that cycle. It reframes a small decision as an opportunity for practice, not a test of judgment. The client is guided to make a choice and then observe the outcome, gaining firsthand experience that they can tolerate the results and the accompanying uncertainty. They leave the exercise with a felt sense of their own capability.
Behavioral Experiment for Making a Reversible Low-Stakes Decision
This week, identify one upcoming decision that is both low-stakes and reversible. A low-stakes decision has a minor effect on your life. A reversible decision can be undone or has a short-term duration. Examples include: what to eat for dinner, which movie to watch, what brand of toothpaste to buy, or which route to take for an errand.
Before making the decision, fill out the first two columns of the table below for two of your options.
| Option | Predicted Outcome & Feeling | Actual Outcome | Actual Feeling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option A: | |||
| Option B: |
Once the first two columns are complete, choose one option. You can flip a coin or simply pick one without further analysis. Follow through on your choice.
After the event is over, complete the final two columns in the table for the option you chose. Record what actually happened and how you actually felt. Bring the completed table to your next meeting.
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