Anxiety
Worksheet: Investigating Chronic Dissatisfaction
Worksheet: Investigating Chronic Dissatisfaction
This directive is for clients who present with chronic dissatisfaction or a persistent feeling of “not enough.” It is indicated for individuals whose achievements never seem to bring lasting contentment, leading to patterns of perfectionism, workaholism, or interpersonal strain. The tool helps externalize this abstract internal state by linking it to specific, observable behaviors, providing a solid foundation for case formulation and early session structure.
The worksheet’s design helps clients trace the feeling back to its potential origins and identify the underlying beliefs that sustain it. It prompts an examination of compensatory strategies and the negative expectations that drive the striving. This process provides insight into the function of their dissatisfaction, clarifying specific and actionable targets for therapeutic work.
Worksheet: Investigating Chronic Dissatisfaction
| When did you first notice a sense of emptiness or a persistent need for more? |
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| How does this feeling show up in your daily life? Provide specific, observable examples. |
| In what areas of your life (work, relationships, possessions, etc.) is this need for more the strongest? What is your explanation for that? |
| What specific past events or experiences do you connect to this feeling? |
| How does this need for more affect your relationships? Describe specific instances of seeking validation or attention from others. |
| What patterns of behavior do you use to try to satisfy this feeling? (e.g., overworking, buying things, seeking praise) |
| What is the specific negative outcome you expect if you stop striving for more? |
| Describe a time when you felt a sense of relief from this pressure. What, specifically, was different about that situation? |
| If this problem were solved, what would be the first small, observable difference in your daily behavior? |
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