Reward Charts in Child Psychotherapy – A Tool That Supports Change, Not Control

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Reward charts are often associated mainly with stickers for “good behaviour.”In child and adolescent psychotherapy, however, their role is very different.

A well-designed reward chart is not used to discipline or judge a child, but to support the process of change, strengthen motivation, and help notice progress where it may otherwise be difficult to see.

What is a reward chart in therapy?

In a therapeutic context, a reward chart is a visual tool used to work on a specific skill or therapeutic goal.

We do not reward “perfect behaviour.”We acknowledge attempts, effort, and engagement.

A reward chart:

• helps the child see that they are already doing something,

• structures the therapeutic process,

• supports a sense of agency and influence.

What does a reward chart look like in psychotherapy?

The chart is:

• tailored to the child’s interests (cars, mermaids, dinosaurs, space),

• simple and easy to understand,

• created together with the child,

• based on small, realistic steps.

A single space on the chart does not mean “success,” but rather:

“I tried / I noticed / I paused / I returned to balance.”

Reward charts in anger-focused work

In anger therapy, reward charts can support:

• noticing bodily signals,

• pausing before an impulsive reaction,

• using an agreed regulation strategy.

A sticker or symbol may appear when the child:

• notices anger building up,

• tries a technique (breathing, movement, stepping away),

• returns to connection — even with adult support.

We do not reward the absence of anger.We reinforce attempts to cope with it.

Reward charts in anxiety work

In anxiety therapy, the chart often represents the journey, not the final destination.

It may take the form of:

• a ladder,

• an adventure map,

• a hero’s path.

Each step may include:

• talking about fear,

• entering a difficult situation briefly,

• trying a regulation or grounding technique.

The chart helps the child recognise:

“I’m making progress, even if I’m still afraid.”

Reward charts for low mood

When working with children experiencing low mood or depressive symptoms, reward charts:

• support activation,

• help notice even the smallest actions,

• counteract the feeling of “I’m doing nothing.”

A symbol may appear for:

• getting out of bed,

• a short activity,

• a mindfulness exercise,

• attending a therapy session.

This tool normalises difficulty and reinforces effort rather than pace.

Reward charts in regulation and mindfulness work

Reward charts may support:

• regular breathing exercises,

• relaxation practices,

• short moments of pause during the day.

In this context, a reward chart:

• does not motivate through “rewards,”

• helps build a gentle habit,

• supports the body and nervous system.

What distinguishes a therapeutic reward chart from a reward system?

✔ no punishment or removal of stickers✔ no comparisons✔ focus on the process✔ collaboration with the child✔ respect for individual pace and difficulty

In therapy, a reward chart is a tool that supports change, not control.

In conclusion

Children in therapy often make a tremendous effort that can be invisible from the outside.A reward chart helps this effort to be seen, named, and appreciated.

It is a small tool that — when used mindfully — can meaningfully support the psychotherapy process.