Cost-Benefit Analysis of a Belief or Behaviour
A CBT worksheet weighing the short- and long-term benefits and costs of a belief or behaviour, ending with an overall ratio and a decision about change.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Motivation · Cognitive
- Approach / concern
- CBT
- Technique
- Motivation · Cognitive
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Cost-Benefit Analysis of a Belief or Behaviour?
Cost-benefit analysis is a cognitive technique for examining the advantages and disadvantages of holding a belief or maintaining a behaviour. Considering short- and long-term consequences separately reveals why unhelpful patterns persist (short-term pay-offs) and what they cost over time.
Why it works
Examining the utility of beliefs and behaviours is a common CBT strategy for building motivation and loosening rigid beliefs (Leahy, 2017; Beck, 2021). It is closely related to decisional balance in motivational interviewing.
When to use it
- Ambivalence about change
- Perfectionism, people-pleasing and worry beliefs
- Substance use and other habits
- Procrastination
How to use it in session
- Choose a specific belief or behaviour.
- Explore benefits first to validate the pay-off.
- List costs, especially long-term ones.
- Estimate an overall ratio.
- Decide what, if anything, the client wants to change.
Clinician tips
- Acknowledge real benefits; it builds trust.
- Long-term costs are often underestimated.
- Avoid pushing; let the client draw conclusions.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from a pros and cons list?
It separates short- and long-term effects and focuses on whether a belief or behaviour is serving you.
Can this be used for decisions?
Yes, though it’s especially useful for habits and beliefs that keep people stuck.
References
Leahy, R. L. (2017). Cognitive therapy techniques: A practitioner’s guide (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Beck, J. S. (2021). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
