Body Doubling for Therapists
Body doubling means doing a task you’ve been putting off while another person works nearby, in person or on a video call. You aren’t helping each other. You’re just there. Many people, especially those with ADHD, say it makes starting and finishing dull tasks easier. For therapists, the obvious target is the pile of notes, re-evaluations and plan-of-care updates.
By the Best Therapy Productivity Calculator team · Last updated October 2026
What does the research say about body doubling?
Not much yet. Body doubling is widely described by ADHD coaches and communities, but we haven’t found controlled studies testing it as a named technique. Treat it as a low-cost experiment, not a proven method. The idea overlaps with things that are better studied, such as working with clear goals and set time limits.
How can therapists use body doubling?
| Situation | How it works |
|---|---|
| End-of-day notes | Two or three clinicians sit together for 20 minutes, phones down, each finishing their own notes |
| Re-evaluation write-ups | Book a 30-minute “write-up block” with a colleague at the same time each week |
| Home health charting | A video call with a coworker, cameras on, mics muted, 25 minutes of charting |
| Private practice admin | A weekly virtual session with other owners for billing and email |
How do you run a body-doubling session?
- Say your goal out loud. “Three daily notes and one progress report.”
- Set a timer. 20 to 25 minutes works for most people.
- Work quietly. No chatting about patients unless it’s needed for care.
- Check in at the end. What got done? What’s next?
What about privacy?
This matters more for therapists than for most people.
- Keep screens private. Sit so others can’t read your screen, or use a privacy filter.
- On video calls, never share your screen with patient records on it.
- Use your employer’s approved tools for any video session that could pick up patient information.
- Don’t discuss patients with a body double who isn’t part of their care team.
Frequently asked questions
Is body doubling only for people with ADHD?
No. Anyone who struggles to start dull tasks may find it helps.
Does body doubling count as work time?
If you’re finishing required documentation, yes. That’s paid work time.
Can I body double alone with a video?
Some people use “study with me” videos or focus apps. They aren’t the same as a real person, but some find them helpful.
Related: Time blocking for therapists · Documentation time calculator · Weekly review for therapists
General information. Not medical or mental health advice.