HAWK-For Behavioral Change
Help clients practice new skills where they matter most: in everyday life, scored by someone who cares about them.
People do better when they know someone is watching
The name comes from the Hawthorne studies, where workers' performance improved simply because they knew they were being observed. This exercise puts that effect to work in therapy.
Practice in real life
Skills learned in session get tried out at home, at work and in relationships, not only talked about.
Low stakes, on purpose
Each moment is small and safe, so the client can build confidence one success at a time.
Something to talk about
The scorecard brings concrete examples back into the session: what worked, what didn't, and what to try next.
Four simple steps
Set up in session
Pick a scenario, then choose the goals, the instructions for the loved one and the number of practice moments.
The loved one scores
After each moment, they rate every goal from 1 to 5 (or NA) and jot down what happened.
See the results
An overall letter grade, grades by goal and by moment, the trend over time, the strongest goal and the goal to work on.
Review together
Print a Word scorecard, or send a setup code to the loved one and receive their scores back by code.
Clear scores, easy to read
Every goal gets a score for every practice moment. The app does the math.
| Example goal | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Took a breath before responding | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | B− |
| Kept a calm tone of voice | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | B |
| Asked a question instead of assuming | 2 | 2 | NA | 3 | 3 | C− |
Sample only. Grades come from the average score: A (4.5–5), B (3.5–4.49), C (2.5–3.49), D (1.5–2.49), F (below 1.5). Results are marked "Preliminary" until enough of the card is filled in.
Start from a template, or write your own
Each scenario comes with suggested goals and instructions for the loved one. Everything can be edited to fit the client.
Adults
Couples
Children and teens
Nothing is stored online
Stays on the device
Scorecards live on the client's own phone or computer. There are no servers holding client information.
No ads or tracking
No advertising, no analytics and no selling of data. Ever.
First names only
Use first names or initials. Codes passed between client and loved one carry only what's on the card.
Designed by a psychologist, for everyday practice
What you get
- Clinician-only notes on many scenarios
- A goal library to speed up setup
- Printable Word scorecards, blank or scored
- A one-click summary to copy into your notes
- Custom scenarios saved on your own device
Use with good judgment
This exercise is meant for small, everyday frustrations. It is not a good fit for trauma reminders, jealousy or loyalty tests, substance cues, deception about safety, health or money, or OCD rituals outside an existing exposure plan.
Bring practice into everyday life
The Modified Hawthorne Exercise is part of the Sana Mente Labs family of tools for clinicians.
This tool supports, and does not replace, the judgment of a licensed mental health professional.
© Sana Mente Labs LLC