Which strategy is best for encouraging a client with depression to resume exercise?

The best strategy for encouraging a client with depression to resume exercise involves using the remotivation approach to find the client's motivational stage. This approach is effective because it recognizes the individual's readiness to change and allows for interventions that are tailored to their specific motivational level.

Understanding a client’s stage of motivation is critical in mental health practice. Clients with depression may struggle with motivation, and identifying where they stand can inform how to effectively support them. For instance, if a client is in the pre-contemplation stage, they may not yet recognize the need for change. In such cases, simply presenting information about the benefits of exercise might be ineffective. However, by assessing their readiness and using techniques that enhance motivation based on their current mindset, a therapist can create a personalized plan that resonates with the client’s needs.

In contrast, while exploring leisure activities or providing opportunities for new pursuits can be beneficial, these strategies may not directly address the underlying motivation issue that the remotivation approach tackles. Similarly, offering feedback about exercise performance on its own does not foster the intrinsic motivation necessary for long-term changes, particularly in individuals struggling with depressive symptoms. Hence, focusing on motivation first lays the foundation for the client to engage more fully with the concept of exercise as part of their recovery