Intervention
Symptom Prescription Script Builder
Write out the exact language for a symptom prescription before delivering it in session — ensuring the prescription lands as a clinical recommendation, not as irony or dismissal.
This worksheet helps therapists prepare the specific language for a symptom prescription — a formal directive assigning the client to produce the symptom deliberately. The language must be precise, offered in the client’s register, and delivered without any detectable irony. Prepared language lands as a clinical recommendation; improvised language tends to land as a trick the client sees through.
Complete this worksheet before any session in which a symptom prescription will be offered. Write out the full delivery script, including the clinical rationale you will give the client. Review it in the five minutes before the session.
Symptom Prescription Script Builder
Client (initials or identifier): _______________ Session date: _______________
The symptom to prescribe Described precisely, in clinical terms — what exactly will the client be asked to produce?
Delivery check — before proceeding A symptom prescription requires a genuine clinical rationale. Answer each question:
What relational structure does prescribing this symptom change?
Why is prescribing it preferable to continuing to discourage it?
If you cannot answer both questions specifically, the prescription is not yet ready to deliver. Do not proceed until you can.
The clinical rationale to offer the client Why does prescribing this symptom make clinical sense? Write what you will tell the client.
The prescription language A full sentence, in the client’s register, ready to deliver. No irony, no visible mechanism.
If the client complies (produces the symptom deliberately) What does this indicate? What to say in the next session:
If the client defies (fails to produce the symptom — suppresses it) What does this indicate? What to say in the next session:
If the client asks why you are telling them to do this The prepared response to the direct question:
If the prescription is for prescribing a relapse Adapt the sections above for the relapse prescription:
- The specific setback to prescribe: _______________________________________________
- The clinical rationale to offer: _______________________________________________
- The prescription language: _______________________________________________
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