Use a six-category word list as an optional starting point for naming feelings without inferring a cause.
Free, print-ready PDF.

Which word feels closest to your experience, and what would you add or change so it fits better?
A recently promoted lead wants more precise language for what they personally noticed during a difficult code review.
Offer the table as optional vocabulary, not an assessment. The client may choose several words, add their own, or decide that none fit.
Keep descriptions client-owned and leave uncertainty visible. Do not infer a cause, sequence, diagnosis, or another person's internal state from a selected word.
Ask which word felt useful, what context was present, and what additional language would make the description more accurate.
Coaching scope: do not diagnose, interpret symptoms, or recommend treatment. Adapt or stop for distress and use licensed health or emergency support when appropriate.
A director wants an optional vocabulary aid for feelings noticed before, during, and after an important presentation.
Offer the table as optional vocabulary, not an assessment. The client may choose several words, add their own, or decide that none fit.
Keep descriptions client-owned and leave uncertainty visible. Do not infer a cause, sequence, diagnosis, or another person's internal state from a selected word.
Ask which word felt useful, what context was present, and what additional language would make the description more accurate.
Coaching scope: do not diagnose, interpret symptoms, or recommend treatment. Adapt or stop for distress and use licensed health or emergency support when appropriate.
A manager has been using the word 'anger' and wants to consider whether another word or added context better describes a recent deadline conversation.
Offer the table as optional vocabulary, not an assessment. The client may choose several words, add their own, or decide that none fit.
Keep descriptions client-owned and leave uncertainty visible. Do not infer a cause, sequence, diagnosis, or another person's internal state from a selected word.
Ask which word felt useful, what context was present, and what additional language would make the description more accurate.
Coaching scope: do not diagnose, interpret symptoms, or recommend treatment. Adapt or stop for distress and use licensed health or emergency support when appropriate.
A finance leader wants language for their own experience during a merger without assuming what team members feel.
Offer the table as optional vocabulary, not an assessment. The client may choose several words, add their own, or decide that none fit.
Keep descriptions client-owned and leave uncertainty visible. Do not infer a cause, sequence, diagnosis, or another person's internal state from a selected word.
Ask which word felt useful, what context was present, and what additional language would make the description more accurate.
Coaching scope: do not diagnose, interpret symptoms, or recommend treatment. Adapt or stop for distress and use licensed health or emergency support when appropriate.
Use this planner to organize communication and emotions into a client-owned sequence of possible next steps.
Why it pairsUse selected words as optional prompts, confirm them with the client, and do not infer causes, diagnoses, or another person's internal state.
RelationshipsUse this worksheet to explore communication and emotions and turn the client’s observations into one optional next step.
Why it pairsChoose this worksheet for a different angle on emotions and communication; use it only if that separate job fits the client.
ADHDUse this worksheet to explore emotions and identity and turn the client’s observations into one optional next step.
Why it pairsUse selected words as optional prompts, confirm them with the client, and do not infer causes, diagnoses, or another person's internal state.





