Purpose 🎯

Help clients recognize escalation before distress becomes overwhelming.

Let’s Talk About It 🗣️

Create levels from 0–10 and identify:

• What I notice in my body
• What I notice in my thoughts
• What I do behaviorally
• What others might notice
• What helps at this level

Emphasize that the goal is not to prevent every strong emotion. The goal is to recognize needs early and respond effectively.

Ask:

• What does a 2 or 3 look like for you?
• What changes when you reach a 6 or 7?
• What is the earliest sign that tells you you may need a change in demands or environment?

If the Conversation Gets Stuck 💡

• What would someone who knows you well notice first?
• What helps before things become too intense?
• What usually makes overwhelm worse?

Telehealth / Whiteboard Version ⚖️

Draw a thermometer from 0–10. Use colors, body cues, thought bubbles, and coping options at different levels.

Why This Works 🌱

This activity increases early recognition of overwhelm and supports proactive coping before distress escalates.

Clinical Pearl 🧠

Help clients identify the earliest useful signal, not just the crisis point. Earlier support often reduces shame, shutdown, or meltdown intensity.

Documentation Language 📝

Therapist utilized an emotional awareness and regulation intervention to assist client in identifying escalation cues, overwhelm levels, and supportive coping responses.

Clinical Focus: Emotional Regulation, Overwhelm Awareness, Early Intervention