Emotion Naming and Function — Clinician dialogue

Invite and obtain permission

Offer: "Would it be useful to explore emotion naming and function using an ordinary or fictional example? We can adapt it, observe, or stop." Ask what the person wants from the conversation.

Elicit before teaching

Ask: "How does this show up, if at all, in your own words?" Offer this idea tentatively: Emotions carry information while action choices require context. Ask what fits and what does not.

Guide the task

Name a possible emotion, its cue, its urge, and the need or concern it may signal. Ask for permission before giving an example. Use this fictional illustration if useful: Taylor notices frustration after a boundary is ignored.

Reflect and check accuracy

Reflect only what was offered: "I heard you describe ___. What did I miss?" Ask: What is the emotion pointing toward, and what needs checking? Avoid assigning motives or interpreting silence as agreement.

Respond to a mismatch

If the person rejects the frame, say: "Thank you for correcting it. What would be more useful?" Return to their language or choose a different approach.

Close with agency

Ask which observation, question, or support request the person wants to keep. Confirm a manageable ending and appropriate follow-up; do not turn a tentative possibility into a homework obligation.

Prompts for this resource

1. Readiness, permission, cultural context, and access needs to check:
2. What is the emotion pointing toward, and what needs checking?
3. What would tell me to adapt, stop, or seek supervision?