In a therapeutic context, homework is a request from a mental health practitioner to the client to practice a new behavior or perform a between-session task. Assigning homework is a common technique for many practitioners. Clients who complete more homework experience more positive treatment outcomes and increases in self-efficacy. Homework is an essential component within the therapy change process. Thus, increasing homework compliance is an essential task for both client and therapist.

Increasing homework compliance involves a client’s perception that the homework matches the problem and goals of therapy, that it is not too difficult, and the belief that a strong relationship exists between the client and mental health practitioner. In creating such an environment, homework completion in and of itself can be considered a form ...