The handout uses a thermometer metaphor to help individuals gauge their emotional intensity on a scale from 0 to 10. This makes it easy for clients to identify how they are feeling and recognize that their emotional state exists on a continuum. It also emphasizes that different strategies are effective at different intensity levels. By using this tool, clients can practice connecting their feelings to specific actions and learn to manage their emotions before they become overwhelming.
For Clinicians: How to Use This Handout
This handout is a valuable clinical tool for psychoeducation and skill-building. It helps clients:
- Identify Emotions: The thermometer provides clear labels for different emotional states, from “Slightly Annoyed, Sad, or Anxious” (level 2) to “Furious, Terrified, or Hopeless” (level 10).
- Build a Coping Toolbox: The first page provides a variety of pre-listed coping skills for each intensity level, such as “Box breathing” for high-intensity feelings or “5 Senses grounding” for lower-intensity emotions. It encourages clients to highlight or circle the strategies that work best for them.
- Personalize Their Plan: The second page includes a blank thermometer, allowing you to work with your clients to create a personalized coping plan. This empowers them to tailor their strategies to their unique needs and experiences.
By using this feelings thermometer, you can help children increase their self-awareness and develop a sense of self-efficacy. It reinforces the idea that emotional regulation is a skill that can be practiced and improved, helping them feel more in control of their emotions and better equipped to handle life’s challenges.