EP17 Topical Panel 10 - Homework Assignments - Judith Beck, PhD, Harville Hendrix, PhD, Helen LaKelly Hunt, PhD, and Bill O'Hanlon, MS

Description:

Therapy happens in life, not just in the consulting room. Assignments facilitate treatment goals.

Educational Objectives:

1. Describe an effective process for creating client homework.
2. Given the presenting problem describe three different methods for affecting treatment through homework.

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*

Outline:

Introduction and Panelist Introductions

• Moderated by Leah Brew with panelists:

  • Judith Beck – President of Beck Institute, CBT expert.

  • Bill O’Hanlon – Psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, author.

  • Harville Hendrix & Helen LaKelly Hunt – Co-creators of Imago Relationship Therapy.

Judith Beck on CBT Homework

• Homework teaches clients to be their own therapists.

• Assignments are co-created during sessions, beginning with an agenda.

• Case example: Depressed mother helped through structured problem-solving and thought work.

• Key tips:

  • Make assignments clear, simple, and doable.

  • Anticipate obstacles.

  • Ensure client motivation and commitment.

Bill O’Hanlon on Ericksonian-Inspired Assignments

• Inspired by Milton Erickson’s creative, unconventional methods.

• Shares Erickson’s story of a woman who gave African Violets to others as therapy.

• Homework should target:

  • What clients do.

  • How they see things.

  • The context of their lives.

• Emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and resourcefulness in assignments.

Harville & Helen on Imago and Neuroplasticity

• Imago integrates depth psychology and behavioral change.

• Emphasize neuroplasticity—changing the brain through repeated relational practices.

• Dialog process uses structured sentence stems to build relational skills.

• Example homework: Each partner does something daily to make the other happy before bed.

• Focus on safety, connection, shared responsibility, and humor.

Discussion on Client Engagement and Practices

• Beck: Identify core beliefs and coping strategies (e.g., unlovability → isolation).

• O’Hanlon: Shared example of a client’s regression, highlighting the need for consistent practice.

• Harville & Helen: “Full aliveness” comes from daily connection and safety.

• Emphasis on engaging clients in purposeful, emotionally meaningful activities.

Audience Q&A

• Long-term maintenance therapy:

  • Beck suggests evaluating pros/cons with clients.

• Nine-month honeymoon phase in relationships:

  • Harville & Helen describe it as natural but sustainable with daily positive practices.

• All panelists agree:

  • Assignments should be creative, collaborative, and tailored.

  • Therapists should support and empower clients to make life-enhancing changes.