Practice management
Between-Session System Planner
Build a personalized homework structure for a specific client based on what their compliance history has demonstrated actually gets done.
Each directive designed in isolation repeats mistakes the previous directive already identified. The therapist who reviews a client’s full compliance history — what was completed, what wasn’t, what they had in common — has the information needed to build a between-session system that works for this specific client rather than for a generic patient.
Complete this after at least four sessions that included homework assignments. Review and update every eight to ten sessions as the picture develops.
Between-Session System Planner
Client (initials or identifier): Date: Sessions reviewed:
Compliance history
List completed assignments and their key features:
| Assignment | Format | Size/complexity | Framing used | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
List missed assignments and their key features:
| Assignment | Format | Size/complexity | Framing used | How client explained miss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
What completed assignments had in common
Format(s) that were completed:
Size or scope that was completed:
Framing approach that produced completion:
Timing in the therapy when completion was most consistent:
What missed assignments had in common
Format(s) that were consistently not completed:
Size or scope that was consistently not completed:
Framing approaches that produced non-completion:
The system for this client
Optimal format:
( ) Written (journaling, letters, logs)
( ) Behavioral (doing something specific)
( ) Observational (noticing without recording)
( ) Drawn or visual
( ) Object-based
( ) Conversational (talking to someone)
( ) Other:
Optimal size: Describe the maximum complexity this client has consistently managed:
Optimal frequency:
( ) Once per week ( ) Multiple times per week ( ) Once per session cycle ( ) As needed
Optimal framing approach: Describe the specific language and positioning this client responds to:
Follow-up protocol
When an assignment is completed: Opening question and what you are listening for:
When an assignment is not completed: Non-judgmental opening and the diagnostic question:
Review schedule
Next planned review of this system:
What would prompt an earlier review?
( ) Three consecutive misses
( ) Major shift in the client’s life circumstances
( ) Change in the therapeutic relationship
( ) Other:
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