What is the name of the intervention where a therapist asks a client to notice what they would like to continue in their life as depression lifts?

The intervention described, where a therapist encourages a client to identify what aspects of their life they wish to continue as their depression improves, is known as the formula first session task. This approach is often employed in solution-focused or narrative therapy contexts, where clients are prompted to envision a positive future and the strengths they can draw upon as they navigate their challenges.

The formula first session task invites clients to articulate their goals and desired outcomes, fostering a sense of agency and hope. By focusing on what they wish to retain or build upon, clients can gain clarity about their values and aspirations, which can be especially empowering as their depressive symptoms begin to diminish. This strategy is effective in reinforcing motivation and promoting a forward-looking perspective.

Other choices, such as co-construction, problem determination, and externalization, do not specifically address this aspect of reflecting on ongoing life improvements after a shift in mood. Co-construction generally involves the collaborative process of building meaning between therapist and client, while problem determination focuses more on identifying the issues at hand. Externalization is a technique used to separate the problem from the person, allowing clients to view their issues as external challenges rather than inherent flaws. Each of these approaches serves valuable purposes in therapy but does not encapsulate the specific aim of