Basic Emotion Assessment

It can be illuminating to ask your clients to complete a Basic Emotion Assessment during every therapy session. After several of these assessments have been completed, review the responses with your client to see if there have been any changes. You and your client might be surprised by what you find! The emotional changes that come with therapy are usually slow and hard to detect. It can be powerful for clients to see the slow and steady improvement of their mood, indicating that their hard work is making a difference.

Having a ritual, such as completing this simple assessment, also serves as a great way to ease clients into therapy or groups. Completing the questionnaire will force your clients to take a moment to think about their week and how they're feeling, which will usually bring up something valuable to discuss.