Worksheet: Writing about feelings…with cars

Worksheet: Writing about feelings…with cars

I had a client who had a hard time sharing their feelings and loved playing with toy cars.

I made this worksheet specifically for them. (picture at left)

Here’s how it works: give the client the worksheet and direct them to circle the emotion they are currently feeling. Ask them the reason behind this feeling and direct them to write about it.

When the client was done, I had them read what they wrote. The intention behind this was to give them an opportunity to practice communicating verbally their feelings. This then proved to be a perfect gateway to more conversation.

I also created this second worksheet. (picture at right)

I introduced this worksheet when the client was becoming to feel more comfortable talking about their feelings. Notice it uses the following format:

I feel __________ when __________ because ________. I need _________.

This format identifies…

• the feeling(s) being felt
• the situation that sparked the feeling(s)
• why that situation sparked the feeling(s)
• what is needed from that point (e.g. coping skills)

Like the first worksheet, I provide it to the client and direct them to fill it out. Once completed, they read aloud what they wrote. This opens a door for further conversation.

Eventually, we were able to include additional emotions on this worksheet. In fact, my client added more feelings as they became more comfortable identifying their own feelings!

I’ve also used these worksheets during family therapy with this particular client. The client completed the worksheet and read it to their parent. This opened up a conversation between the client and their parent. Additionally, I coached their parent how to engage in active listening when their child was sharing their feelings.

You can download this worksheet for free on my TeachersPayTeachers store! I’d love to hear about how you use the worksheet for your own interventions.