What Keeps the Problem Going? CBT Maintaining Factors Worksheet

Psychological difficulties are often maintained by patterns that continue long after the original problem has developed. Thoughts, emotions, behaviours, physical sensations and environmental factors can all interact to reinforce distress over time. Understanding these maintaining factors can help identify meaningful targets for change.

This printable CBT formulation resource helps you identify ongoing difficulties, explore cognitive, behavioural, emotional, physical and environmental maintaining factors and reflect on the patterns that may be reinforcing the problem. A structured reflection section helps identify key maintaining patterns and potential intervention targets.

Whether you are working independently, alongside a therapist or supporting clients in therapy, this worksheet provides a practical and structured way to understand what keeps psychological difficulties going and where change may be possible.

How This Worksheet Can Help

This worksheet can help you:

• Identify maintaining factors
• Understand recurring psychological patterns
• Recognise cognitive maintaining factors
• Identify behavioural maintaining factors
• Explore emotional and physical influences
• Recognise environmental contributors
• Increase self awareness
• Strengthen CBT formulation
• Identify intervention targets
• Support therapy goals

What's Included

What Keeps the Problem Going? Worksheets Featuring:

• What Keeps the Problem Going? worksheet
• Reflection worksheet

These worksheets can be used independently or alongside therapy.

Who This Resource Is For

This resource may be helpful if you:

• Experience ongoing anxiety, stress or low mood
• Want to understand why problems continue over time
• Are completing CBT
• Want to identify maintaining patterns
• Are looking for printable CBT formulation worksheets
• Want practical case formulation tools
• Want to increase self awareness
• Want to identify meaningful areas for change

This resource is suitable for psychologists, counsellors, therapists, social workers, mental health clinicians, coaches, mental health students and individuals completing self-directed therapy.

These worksheets are also suitable for therapists to use directly in sessions, as structured discussion tools, skill-building exercises, or between-session homework.

Product Details

What Keeps the Problem Going? Worksheet

• 2 page PDF
• Instant digital download
• Printable PDF format
• A4 size
• Suitable for print or digital use
• Designed for personal or therapeutic use
• No physical item will be shipped

Important Information

This resource is designed for psychoeducation, therapy and personal development. It is not intended to replace professional psychological or medical advice, assessment or treatment.

How You Will Receive Your File

Your files will be available for instant download immediately after purchase. Simply download, print or use them digitally at home or during therapy sessions.