Relapse Prevention Plan
A comprehensive plan for maintaining progress after therapy — covering warning signs, coping strategies, and an action plan for setbacks.
Written by Tarun Vermani, Trainee Clinical Psychologist Last reviewed
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Relapse Prevention Plan
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What I've Learned in Therapy
My Early Warning Signs
These are the signals that things might be starting to slip. Catching them early is key.
My Coping Toolkit
| # | Strategy / Technique | When to Use It | How Well It Works (0–10) | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||||
| 2 | ||||
| 3 |
My Action Plan for Setbacks
Setbacks are normal — they are not the same as relapse. Having a plan makes them manageable.
My Support Network
| # | Name | Relationship | How They Can Help | Contact Details | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
My Commitment
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When to use the Relapse Prevention Plan
The Relapse Prevention Plan is an interactive cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) worksheet. As a core CBT skill it is used right across the model, with presentations including depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma and low self-esteem, rather than being tied to a single diagnosis.
It is designed to be used within therapy rather than as a standalone self-help tool: a therapist introduces it, works through it collaboratively, and helps make sense of what it surfaces. You can preview the full worksheet above, then assign it digitally for clients to complete between sessions on any device — or download it as a print-ready PDF.
How it works
Most people work through it in around 20 minutes. It moves through six short steps:
- What I've Learned in Therapy
- My Early Warning Signs — These are the signals that things might be starting to slip. Catching them early is key.
- My Coping Toolkit
- My Action Plan for Setbacks — Setbacks are normal — they are not the same as relapse. Having a plan makes them manageable.
- My Support Network
- My Commitment
Completed on the Formulate platform, your client's answers are saved automatically and shared straight back to you, so you can review them before the next session rather than waiting for a paper copy to come back.
The CBT approach behind it
In common with other CBT methods, the Relapse Prevention Plan works by putting clear, personalised coping steps in place for difficult moments. The aim is not positive thinking but a clearer, shared understanding of what keeps a difficulty going — and practical, testable ways to change it.
Because it is a CBT tool it stays focused on the here-and-now links between thoughts, feelings, the body and behaviour, and it works best as one part of a wider course of therapy rather than as advice or a diagnosis.
Evidence & sources
This worksheet is grounded in established cognitive behavioural therapy theory and practice. Key sources include:
- Marlatt, G.A. & Donovan, D.M. (2005). Relapse Prevention (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.
- Miller, W.R. & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational Interviewing (3rd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.
- Beck, A.T., Rush, A.J., Shaw, B.F., & Emery, G. (1979). Cognitive Therapy of Depression. New York: Guilford Press.
For use alongside professional support
Formulate provides educational CBT resources for use with a qualified therapist. They are not a substitute for professional assessment, diagnosis, or crisis care.
If you need urgent help now:
- Emergency services: 999 — if you or someone else is in immediate danger
- Samaritans: 116 123 — free, day or night, 365 days a year
- SANEline: 0800 689 5555 — 4:30pm–10:30pm, every day
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