Locus of Control Worksheet: Enhance Personal Agency

What we think we can control and what we think we can’t makes all the difference. Whether we feel hopeless in the face of things we could change or try to control things we can’t, the emotional fallout can be severe.

For clients, understanding the concept of locus of control can be a huge step towards resolving long standing emotional and relationship problems. And drilling down into specific areas can show them the way forward in how they approach difficult areas.

A balanced sense of control tends to equip us to better manage stress, adapt to changes, and pursue personal growth.

The Locus of Control Worksheet is designed to help your client explore their own perceptions of control and influence and so enhance their psychological resilience and improve overall mental health.

The worksheet provides tools and reflections for you and your client to complete together so they can adjust their sense of control and how they deal with challenges. It includes:

• Assessing control levels: Help your client understand their perceived control over various aspects of their lives and explore the impact of these perceptions.
• Exploring control vs. influence: Examine the difference between direct control over outcomes and influence that can shape results.
• Action planning for greater control: Guide your client in identifying practical steps to increase their control or influence in various aspects of their lives.

Expected outcomes include:

• Improved mental health: Alleviating feelings of helplessness, anxiety and anger can immediately reduce mental distress.
• Better decision making skills: Clients get better at seeing what they can change and what they can’t, improving their decision-making skills.
• Personal empowerment: Your client will gain the knowledge and skills to take a more active role in shaping their life.

Download the free worksheet and enjoy taking your next client with control issues on a journey to better mental health. An editable version of this worksheet is free to members of Uncommon Practitioners’ TV