Coping Cards
A CBT template for creating four coping cards that pair common triggers, thoughts, feelings or urges with balanced responses and coping steps.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Coping statements
- Approach / concern
- CBT
- Technique
- Coping statements
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Coping Cards?
Coping cards are brief written reminders of adaptive responses to common triggers, thoughts or urges. They are widely used in CBT to help clients access skills learned in therapy during difficult moments.
Why it works
Coping cards are a standard CBT technique for consolidating learning (Beck, 2021) and are used in cognitive therapy for suicidal patients to support crisis coping (Wenzel et al., 2009).
When to use it
- Recurring automatic thoughts
- Panic, anxiety and anger
- Crisis coping alongside a safety plan
- End of therapy maintenance
How to use it in session
- Identify common triggers or thoughts.
- Write balanced responses in the client’s words.
- Add two or three coping steps.
- Decide where to keep the cards.
- Review and update regularly.
Clinician tips
- Keep cards short and readable at a glance.
- Phone photos make cards always accessible.
- Use the client’s own language, not textbook phrases.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
How many coping cards should I make?
Start with two to four for your most common triggers, and add more as needed.
Do coping cards really help?
They’re a simple way to bring therapy skills into real-life moments when thinking clearly is hard.
References
Beck, J. S. (2021). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
Wenzel, A., Brown, G. K., & Beck, A. T. (2009). Cognitive therapy for suicidal patients: Scientific and clinical applications. American Psychological Association.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
