Table 1.

Empower@Home session-by-session overview^a.

Session	Session content	CBTb elements	Home practice
Session 1: Ready, Set… Go!	Session 1 orients the user to the program, delivers psychoeducation about depression and aging, and gently introduces CBT in jargon-free language. The session also includes content to motivate the user to engage with the program and introduces BAc, which is referred to as a doing tool.	Psychoeducation Doing tools: activity monitoring	Activity monitoring form
Session 2: Doing Tools	Session 2 is a continued exploration of BA using the value-based BA approach. Major in-session activities include reviewing the activity monitoring form from the last session, charting the depression downward spiral, filling out the values and activities inventory, and creating the “my desired activities” master list. The first mindfulness exercise––Body Scan––is also introduced in this session.	Doing tools: value-based behavioral activation; activity scheduling Feeling tools: body scan	Body scan and activity scheduling
Session 3: Working with Barriers	Session 3 continues the focus on BA skills by addressing common barriers to BA for older adults. Major in-session activities include practicing breaking things down into small steps, completing the “my desired activities” master list by adding the names of supportive people, and turning “you statements” into “I statements.” This session also discusses the characteristics of effective communication.	Doing tools: break down tasks; activity scheduling Communication tools: effective communication and I statements	Activity scheduling
Session 4: Keep Doing	Session 4 continues to address common barriers to BA, including unhelpful thoughts (eg, “I can’t do anything”) and physical barriers to doing things. The user learns about adaptive behaviors and behavioral modification methods. Issues like independence and getting help are also discussed. Major in-session exercises include adaptive behavior quizzes, identifying inner strengths, and making adjustments to the “my desired activities” master list. The second mindfulness exercise, called mind-calming, is introduced.	Doing tools: adaptive behaviors Thinking tools: unhelpful thoughts related to BA Feeling tools: mind-calming exercise	Mind-calming exercise and activity scheduling
Session 5: Problem Solving	Session 5 provides a 5-step problem-solving technique. The user follows along to practice the technique using their own problem, concluding in an action plan. The second communication tool––active listening––is introduced.	Doing tools: 5-step problem-solving Communication tools: active listening	Problem-solving and activity scheduling
Session 6: Unhelpful Thinking	Session 6 is the first of two sessions on cognitive restructuring—another core CBT skill. The user learns about common unhelpful thinking patterns and is asked to identify them in case stories and reflect on their experience. Core beliefs are also introduced.	Thinking tools: ABC model; identify unhelpful thoughts and core beliefs.	Thought record and activity scheduling
Session 7: Thinking Tools	Session 7 is the second session on cognitive restructuring and moves from identifying thinking errors to challenging them. The “7-column thought record” is introduced to continue tracking thinking errors and practicing challenging methods.	Thinking tools: challenge unhelpful thoughts	Thought record and activity scheduling
Session 8: Feeling Tools	Session 8 discusses various forms of self-care and addresses physical activity and nutrition. The second half of the session introduces mindfulness and walks the users through a guided breathing exercise. Another mindfulness exercise––the senses exercise––is also introduced.	Feeling tools: self-care; mindfulness	Breathing exercise and activity scheduling
Session 9: Putting It All Together	As the last session of the program, Session 9 reviews the core techniques taught and addresses relapse prevention. The user follows along to create their empowerment guide. The user also learns about other treatment options like medication, one-on-one therapy, and other therapies.	Program review and relapse prevention	Relapse prevention plan

^aThe list of sessions and content presented in this table is the most updated version and is being tested in an ongoing pilot randomized controlled trial.

^bCBT: cognitive behavioral therapy.

^cBA: behavioral activation.