“Understanding Workaholism” is a comprehensive homework assignment designed to help clients recognize and address the compulsive need to overwork. This resource explores the underlying causes of workaholism, such as perfectionism, fear of failure, and the need for control, while highlighting its detrimental effects on mental and physical health, as well as relationships. Through a structured treatment plan that includes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and effective time management strategies, this assignment provides clients with the tools they need to achieve a healthier work-life balance. Use this material to guide your clients in reflecting on their work habits, setting boundaries, and developing a more balanced approach to work and life.

Written by clinical psychologist Dr. Hal Baumchen, PsyD, LP, LADC, this printable PDF worksheet gives clinicians a practical, session-ready tool. The conversational, encouraging tone makes clinical concepts accessible to clients at any stage of therapy, while structured prompts keep the work focused and productive.

How clinicians use it: as an in-session exercise to open and structure discussion, as between-session homework to reinforce skills, as a progress tool to track growth over time, and as part of a treatment unit paired with the companion lesson and PowerPoint on this topic. Formatted for easy printing and immediate use in individual or group settings.

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