CBT therapists, counsellors and clients using graded exposure for anxiety may find this printable situational exposure diary useful for tracking exposure practice between sessions. It focuses on stepladder steps, expected and actual SUDS ratings, completion, coping skills and notes for preparing the next attempt.
This situational exposure diary anxiety worksheet is a printable PDF for recording planned exposure practice in a clear, consistent way. Use it before and after an activity to note the situation, the step on the anxiety stepladder, the expected SUDS rating, the actual SUDS rating, whether the task was completed, and any coping strategies used.
The layout can help adults, older teenagers, therapists, counsellors and support workers keep exposure work structured between appointments. It may be used in CBT sessions, as a homework sheet, during supported practice, or as part of a wider anxiety worksheet pack. The notes section gives space to reflect on what made the task easier or harder, what was learnt, and what might be adjusted for the next attempt.
- Plan one exposure step at a time.
- Compare predicted and actual anxiety levels.
- Record coping skills, observations and preparation notes.
Download and print the worksheet for use in lessons, therapy planning, revision of exposure goals, home learning tasks, or classroom-style psychoeducation activities where learners are exploring avoidance and gradual practice. It can also be kept in a client folder or workbook so previous attempts are easy to compare during review. Keeping entries brief but specific can make it easier to review progress and choose the next manageable step.
