Below you will find a collection of free downloadable handouts and worksheets from Inspired Practice as well as links to some of our favorite free resource websites.
Free Practice Resources
When I was fresh out of graduate school, I started a job providing group therapy. There was no curriculum or even guidance on what to cover with clients that we had for 3-5 groups per day. I began scouring the internet for free handouts, worksheets, and ideas on what to teach my patients.
The hospital where I worked wouldn’t pay for anything and I had no budget, so these free resources were essential in helping me help my patients! I hope that you find the handouts helpful for your counseling and mental health therapy clients and patients.
– Stacey
Exclusive Free Therapy Worksheets & Handouts
Depression Support Plan
Those with depression can fill out the support plan with their significant other so that they know what to do if the client has a depressive episode.
Stacey Aldridge, LCSW
How to Make a Coping Skill Toolbox Instructions & Worksheets
How to guide accompanies either the 4 page or 2 page worksheet. Please be sure to download the guide and worksheet(s) both!
Based on the Infographic by SummerOfRecovery
Worksheets by
Stacey Aldridge, LCSW
Discovering My Core Beliefs Worksheet
Thought provoking questions that ask client to think about how their core beliefs influence the way they view the world, other people, relationships, and themselves.
Created by
Stacey Aldridge, LCSW
Discovering My Purpose
“Fast Forward” exercise asks clients to think about what they’d like to be remembered for at the end of their life. *Some may find this triggering due to thoughts of end of life/death.
Adapted from Teresa Kleffner, LCSW
Worksheet by
Stacey Aldridge, LCSW
Examples of Short Term Goals
These work well with discussion of and teaching clients SMART goal setting.
Adapted from Short Term Goals by Matthew Johnson
Handout by
Stacey Aldridge, LCSW
Focusing on the Positive
Daily reflection asks clients to think of positive events that took place. Clients can complete questions daily or use sheet for the whole week between sessions.
Healthier Living Plan
This double-sided worksheet (print flipped on short edge) asks clients to think of what are they doing well, what would they like to improve, and what they want to change. This can apply to physical, mental, and/or emotional health as applicable. Also includes fun and pleasurable activities for self-care.
Created by
Stacey Aldridge, LCSW
How to Practice Active Listening
Step by Step guide on how to practice active listening.
Handout by
Stacey Aldridge, LCSW
How to Let Go of Resentment
This article accompanies the Letting Go of Resentment Worksheet. It discusses how to really let go of resentments.
Printable article “How to REALLY Let Go of a Resentment” by Jessica Ruane, LifeHack
Letting Go of Resentment Worksheet
Worksheet to explore resentments, companion to How to Let Go of Resentment handout.
Worksheet by
Stacey Aldridge, LCSW
Thinking Critically About Self-Esteem
Exploring the effects of low self-esteem on the client’s life. It also asks the client to think about ways to practice self-care.
Created by Stacey Aldridge, LCSW
Best Websites For Free Resources
Therapist Aid
Therapist Aid has free (ad supported) and paid memberships for those looking for a variety of helpful worksheets for both children and adults. They also offer treatment guides and interactive tools for paid members. Stacey’s favorite Therapist Aid worksheets are DBT Emotional Regulation Skills and Goal Exploration, Breakdown, and Planning sheets.
St. Louis Counseling & Wellness
St. Louis Counseling & Wellness has many original handouts for free download. Geared toward adults although some are appropriate for adolescents, SLCW has a sizeable variety of addiction, positive psychology, and self-compassion worksheets. Stacey’s favorite SLCW handouts are The Codependency Packet, Self Compassion Questions, and Progressive Muscle Relaxation.
Psychology Tools
Psychology Tools has almost 300 high quality handouts and worksheets. They also have downloadable workbooks, screening tools, guided audio, as well as information on various types of therapy clinical interventions. For the clinical tools you are limited to 5 downloads without paying however the $99 per year fee is well worth it if you are able to afford it. The “self help” worksheets are free. Stacey’s favorite Psychology Tools handouts are TEAR Grief model, Self critical thought worksheets (challenging record, monitoring record), and Forgiveness Is/Forgiveness methods.
Centre for Clinical Interventions
CCI is a mental health governmental agency in Australia but they have done a wonderful job of compiling information sheets and workbooks that are all free! Their resources include information on depression and anxiety but also subjects like body dysmorphia, disordered eating, and health anxiety. Stacey’s favorite CCI resources are “The vicious cycle of anxiety” info sheet, Improving Self-esteem Workbook, and Assert Yourself workbook.
University of Washington Medical Center Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress
UW Med CSATS has PDF resources for therapists and clients. Client handouts include managing distress, challenging thoughts, and relaxation. Materials for therapist include screening tools such as GAD-7, PHQ-9, PTSD checklists in both English and Spanish. Stacey’s favorite CSATS resources are Things Families Can Do To Cope With Trauma, GAD-7 screener, and Problem Solving Worksheet Advanced.
I hope that you find these handouts and resources helpful in your practice! Do you have a favorite website for free therapy and counseling resources that I missed? Leave a comment and let me know so I can include it!
“Although some clients believe that the effectiveness of psychotherapy depends on the quality of in-session work, consistent homework during the rest of the week may be even more important.” – Joel Minden, PhD
Stacey Aldridge, LCSW
Stacey is the owner of Inspired Happiness Therapy and Wellness in Ridgeland, MS and the founder of Inspired Practice. To learn more about therapy with Stacey please visit her website.
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