Background: There is need for interventions for people with depression and anxiety, not only focusing on psychological symptoms, but also how to cope with everyday life. The TTM involves that individuals during five sessions, paint and tell their life story. The focus is on everyday occupations, and finally, they create a picture of their future goals. In this study, the TTM was compared to regular occupational therapy.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the TTM compared to regular occupational therapy regarding everyday occupations, psychological symptoms and health in people with depression and/or anxiety disorders.

Methods: 118 clients, 18-65 years, diagnosed with depression or anxiety in primary care and mental health care were randomized to the TTM or regular occupational therapy. Before and after treatment as well as 3 and 12 months afterwards they answered self-assessment questionnaires. Parametric statistical analysis was used.

Results: There were continued positive significant outcomes of everyday occupations, psychological symptoms and health shown in both groups; 3 months as well as 12 months after completed treatment. No significant differences were found between the groups.

Conclusions: The TTM can contribute to an increased number of interventions for people suffering from depression and anxiety.