THERAPIST VS. BRAIN
FACT OR STORY?
COPING
COMMUNICATION
NAME THAT EMOTION
100

Brain: “I'm going to fail and then everybody is going to hate me.”
Therapist: “That’s called ___.”

What is fortune telling?

100

No one likes me.

What is a story?


100

This breathing technique involves inhaling, holding, exhaling, and holding again for 4 seconds each.

What is box breathing?

100

These statements start with a personal pronoun to express feelings without blaming others.

What are I statements?

100

This secondary emotion often masks more vulnerable feelings like sadness or hurt.

What is anger

200

Brain: “They hate you.”
Therapist: “That’s called ___.”

What is mind reading?

200

I didn't get the job.

What is a fact?

200

This type of skill—like listening to music or painting—helps redirect your mind during acute stress.

What is distraction?

200

The practice of saying "no" to protect your time, energy, and mental well-being.

What are boundaries?

200

This emotion triggers the body's physical "fight, flight, or freeze" survival response.

What is anxiety?

300

Brain: “My accomplishments are less important than others'.”
Therapist: “That’s called ___.”

What is minimization?

300

I feel nervous.

What is a fact?

300

Internal or external events that suddenly bring on negative emotions or cravings.

What are triggers?


300

Crossing your arms, rolling your eyes, and turning away are examples of this type of message delivery.

What is nonverbal communication?

300

A complex emotion involving feelings of rejection, low self-esteem, or fear of being replaced by a rival.

What is jealousy?

400

Brain: “Everything is about to go wrong.”
Therapist: “That’s called ___.”

What is catastrophic thinking?

400

They think I'm annoying.

What is a story?

400

This technique focuses on taking a step back, observing the moment, and moving forward with your wise mind. 

What is the STOP skill?

400

Fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the other person is saying during a conversation.

What is active listening?

400

The heavy emotional state characterized by feeling defeated, completely drained, or unable to handle daily demands.

What is overwhelm?

500

Brain: “You always do this.”
Therapist: “That’s called ___.”

What is over-generalization?

500

I'll never get better.

What is a story?

500

This skill consists of using your 5 sentences to bring you back to the moment.

What is the 5-4-3-2-1 technique?

500

This interpersonal effectiveness acronym is designed to help you maintain and protect relationships while expressing your needs or setting boundaries.

What is GIVE?


G - gentle

I - interested

V - validate

E - use an Easy manner

500

Feeling a complete lack of connection, warmth, or hope about the future

What is numbness or despair?