Feelings Thermometer

How does it work?

A Feelings Thermometer is a simple thermometer worksheet. It operates on a straightforward principle, resembling a traditional thermometer layout, with a vertical gradient marked with various emotions. These emotions span from being happy to being angry that you want to explode.

Step 1: Download a copy of our Feelings Thermometer

To use our Feelings Thermometer, scroll up a little bit to see our template and click "Use template" or "Download." This should give you access to the thermometer. You're free to use it digitally or print it out.

Step 2: Have your client tick the appropriate rating

Hand a copy of the Feelings Thermometer to your client and have them select the appropriate feelings rating based on how they're currently feeling.

Step 3: Have your client articulate why they are feeling that way

Once they're done ticking their feelings rating, have them talk about why they are feeling the way they're currently feeling to get to the bottom of things. If they're children, it would be best for you to have them articulate their big feelings while you write down what they're discussing with you.

Depending on what's being discussed and the purpose of having them use the thermometer in the first place, your next steps will be either to educate them about emotional literacy, and/or employ other tools to assess your client to determine what kind of mental health treatment they need (e.g., refer to therapy/counseling, actual therapy/counseling, medication, etc).

Who can use this template?

The Feelings Thermometer template is an incredibly valuable tool for various individuals and professionals looking to promote emotional literacy and understanding. Its simple and intuitive design makes it an excellent resource for psychologists, counselors, teachers, parents, and anyone wishing to facilitate better emotional communication.

For mental health professionals

Psychologists and counselors can use the feeling Thermometer during therapy sessions, especially with clients who struggle to verbalize their emotions. This tool can be instrumental in helping individuals articulate their feelings and understand their emotional responses.

It offers a tangible way to track emotions over time, aiding in identifying patterns, triggers, and the effectiveness of coping strategies.

For educators

Teachers can incorporate the Feelings Thermometer template into emotional literacy lessons in educational settings. It is a practical tool to teach students about different emotions and intensities.

As a visual aid, it can significantly assist in making abstract concepts more understandable and engaging for students, and encourage students to be more attuned to how they feel and learn to express emotions healthily.

For parents

Parents can utilize the Feelings Thermometer at home to encourage children to express their emotions openly. It can facilitate dialogues about feelings and emotions, helping children better understand and manage their emotional responses.

Regular usage can foster emotional intelligence from an early age, equipping children with skills to navigate their emotions healthily and productively.

For individuals

The Feelings Thermometer also benefits individuals seeking to improve their self-understanding and emotional literacy. By using the template regularly, individuals can gain better insight into their emotional patterns and triggers, enhancing their emotional regulation skills.

The Feelings Thermometer is a flexible, versatile tool suitable for anyone aiming to enhance emotional understanding and expression, whether in a professional setting or personal development context.

Benefits of using a Feelings Thermometer worksheet

Using our free Feelings Thermometer template presents a myriad of advantages. Its versatility, simplicity, and efficacy make it a desirable tool for enhancing emotional literacy and understanding across various settings.

Enhances the articulation of feelings

Our template has a section meant for clients to articulate why they're feeling the way they're feeling. This can be filled up by you, the professional, if you're the one holding the sheet or digital copy, while the client is speaking. Make sure to make them feel safe enough that they can share.

Fostering self-reflection

Regular usage of feeling Thermometers encourages self-reflection. Clients can observe their emotional patterns over time, providing insights into their health. This ongoing reflection can boost self-awareness, a key element of emotional intelligence.

Aids emotional regulation

Feelings Thermometers assist in emotional regulation by helping identify emotional triggers and the effectiveness of various coping strategies. Professionals can suggest and implement appropriate coping mechanisms by pinpointing the reasons why they are feeling the way they are, assuming they rate themselves high enough on the thermometer.

Research & Evidence

Feelings Thermometers have their foundation in the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), one of the most thoroughly researched forms of therapy according to the American Psychological Association. CBT emphasizes the importance of understanding emotions to manage behaviors more effectively, a premise that Feelings Thermometers materialize as an accessible tool.

Tools similar to Feelings Thermometers, like mood charts, have historically facilitated emotional awareness in therapeutic contexts. Their evolution has led to the modern, simple, and effective Feelings Thermometer used in various settings - therapy rooms, classrooms, and homes.

A wealth of empirical evidence supports the efficacy of Feelings Thermometers. Research conducted by Dr. Marc Brackett at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence underscores the importance of emotional literacy in psychological health, a skill that Feelings Thermometers specifically aim to foster. The tool assists individuals in recognizing, understanding, and appropriately expressing their emotions, helping them navigate interpersonal relationships and emotional challenges more effectively.

Furthermore, Feelings Thermometers promote self-awareness, a crucial aspect of emotional regulation. The American Psychological Association has highlighted the role of self-awareness in emotional regulation, suggesting a link between the consistent use of Feelings Thermometers and improved emotional management.

Anecdotal evidence from therapists, educators, and parents also attests to the value of Feelings Thermometers. Many have reported improved communication and understanding of emotions in their practices and homes.

Feelings Thermometers stand as an effective tool for promoting emotional literacy and understanding.