What it is
Behavioral Activation is an evidence-backed CBT intervention for depression and low motivation that uses scheduled, small activities to reverse the cycle of withdrawal and low mood.
Why it works
When mood is low, waiting to feel motivated before acting keeps you trapped in inactivity. Behavioral activation works on the principle that action generates motivation, not the other way around:
Behavioral Activation Shift
“I don't have the energy to do anything today, so I'll wait until I feel better.”
Practicing with Camic
Camic helps you break large tasks down into impossibly small, achievable steps and schedule them based on pleasure and mastery ratings.
Applied in real situations
Sources
Jacobson, N.S., Martell, C.R., & Dimidjian, S. (2001). Behavioral activation treatment for depression: Returning to contextual roots. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 8(3), 255–270. Dimidjian, S. et al. (2006). Randomized trial comparing behavioral activation, cognitive therapy, and antidepressant medication. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 74(4), 658–670.