DEPRESSION 83 D. The Socratic method was used to challenge the client's dysfunctional thoughts and to replace them with positive, reali ty-based thoughts. E. The client was reinforced for instances of successful replacement of negative thoughts with more realistic positive thinking. F. The client has not kept his/her record of automatic thoughts and was redirected to do so. 21. Conduct Behavioral Experiments (21) A. The client was encouraged to do “behavioral experiments” in which depressive automatic thoughts are treated as hypotheses/predictions and are tested against reality-based alternative hypothesis. B. The client's automatic de pressive thoughts were tested against the client's past, present, and/or future experiences. C. The client was assisted in processing the outcome of his/her behavioral experiences. D. The client was encouraged by his/her experience of the more reality-based hypothesis/ predictions; this progress was reinforced. E. The client continues to focus on depressive automatic thoughts and was redirected toward the behavioral evidence of the more reality-based alternative hypotheses. 22. Reinforce Positive Self-Talk (22) A. The client was reinforced for any successful replacement of distorted negative thinking with positive, reality-based cognitive messages. B. It was noted that the client has been engaging in positive,, reality-based thinking that has enhanced his/her self-confidence and increased adaptive action. C. The client was assigned to complete the “Positive Self-Talk” assignment from the Adult Psychotherapy Homework Planner, 2nd ed. (Jongsma). 23. Teach Behavioral Coping Strategies (23) A. The client was taught behavioral coping strategies such as physical exercise, increased social involvement, sharing of feelings, and increased assertiveness as ways to reduce feelings of depression. B. The client has implemented behavioral coping strategies to redu ce feelings of depression and was reinforced for doing so. C. The client reported that the utilization of behavioral coping strategies has been successful at reducing feelings of depression; the benefits of this progress were reviewed. D. The client was assisted in identifying several instances in which behavioral coping strategies were helpful in reducing depressive feelings. E. The client has not used behavioral coping strategies and was redirected to use this important resource. 24. Engage in Behavi oral Activation (24) A. The client was engaged in “behavioral activation” by scheduling activities that have a high likelihood for pleasure and mastery. B. The client was directed to complete tasks from the “Identify and Schedule Pleasant Events” assignm ent from the Adult Psychotherapy Homework Planner, 2nd ed. (Jongsma). C. Rehearsal, role-playing, role reversal, and other techniques were used to engage the client in behavioral activation. 