Body Doubling for Therapists: Finish Progress Notes Faster (Without Burnout)

Updated 2025-10-14

A practical guide to using body doubling to speed up therapist documentation, reduce procrastination, and end the day on time.

What Is Body Doubling?

Body doubling is a focus technique where you work alongside someone else—physically or virtually—to reduce procrastination and stay on task. The simple presence of another person increases accountability and attention, without requiring them to actively manage your work.

Why It Works for Therapists

• Accountability without micromanagement: You remain in control of your clinical reasoning and documentation.
• Less context switching: Batch progress notes in one focused block instead of sprinkling them throughout the day.
• Motivation boost: “We’re in this together” reduces friction to start and finish notes.

How to Set Up a Body-Doubling Session

1. Pick a time block: 30–60 minutes after your last session or mid-day micro block for notes.
2. Set a goal: e.g., “Finish 4 notes,” or “Complete all objective sections.”
3. Choose a partner: A colleague, another discipline, or a virtual “focus room.”
4. Mute distractions: Phones on silent, tabs closed—timer running.

Templates & Scripts

“I’m doing a 45‑minute notes sprint at 2:15–3:00. Want to co‑work? Camera optional—just focused typing. Goal: finish objective + assessment on three charts.”

Measure Your Wins

Track two simple metrics for two weeks:

• Average minutes per note (aim ↓ 15–40%).
• After-hours charting minutes (aim ↓ significantly).

Ethics & Privacy

Never display PHI on a shared screen. Use headphones, position screens away from others, and follow your facility’s privacy policies.