Reclaiming Time for Chosen Activities — Clinician dialogue

Invite and obtain permission

Offer: "Would it be useful to explore reclaiming time for chosen activities using an ordinary or fictional example? We can adapt it, observe, or stop." Ask what the person wants from the conversation.

Elicit before teaching

Ask: "How does this show up, if at all, in your own words?" Offer this idea tentatively: Behavior change can include building a life with more wanted experiences. Ask what fits and what does not.

Guide the task

Choose a small activity that expresses a valued direction and identify time, access, and support needed. Ask for permission before giving an example. Use this fictional illustration if useful: Noah wants to make room for a creative project in the evening.

Reflect and check accuracy

Reflect only what was offered: "I heard you describe ___. What did I miss?" Ask: What are you moving toward, not only away from? Avoid assigning motives or interpreting silence as agreement.

Respond to a mismatch

If the person rejects the frame, say: "Thank you for correcting it. What would be more useful?" Return to their language or choose a different approach.

Close with agency

Ask which observation, question, or support request the person wants to keep. Confirm a manageable ending and appropriate follow-up; do not turn a tentative possibility into a homework obligation.

Prompts for this resource

1. Readiness, permission, cultural context, and access needs to check:
2. What are you moving toward, not only away from?
3. What would tell me to adapt, stop, or seek supervision?