Coping Skills Menu for Adults
A comprehensive adult coping skills menu organized into six categories, with a table for personal top skills and space to replace unhelpful coping.
2-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Coping skills
- Approach / concern
- Universal
- Technique
- Coping skills
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 2 pages (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 Skills Menu for Adults?
A coping skills menu is a personalized list of strategies matched to different needs, such as calming the body, shifting attention, connecting, solving problems, expressing emotions and self-care. Matching coping to the situation is more effective than relying on one strategy.
Why it works
Adaptive emotion-regulation strategies such as problem-solving, reappraisal and acceptance are associated with fewer symptoms across disorders, while avoidance and rumination are linked with more (Aldao et al., 2010).
When to use it
- Any client building a coping toolkit
- Stress, anxiety and depression
- Crisis and safety planning
- Group programs and psychoeducation
How to use it in session
- Explain that different situations need different coping.
- Invite the client to explore each category.
- Choose top skills and when they work best.
- Identify unhelpful coping to reduce.
- Review helpfulness over time.
Clinician tips
- Practise skills when calm so they’re available when stressed.
- Include quick (1-minute) and longer options.
- Respect cultural and financial context.
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 skills should I have?
Aim for a handful you know well across different categories, so you have options for different situations.
Are some coping skills bad?
Some strategies, like substance use or chronic avoidance, help short-term but cause problems long-term. The aim is to add healthier options.
References
Aldao, A., Nolen-Hoeksema, S., & Schweizer, S. (2010). Emotion-regulation strategies across psychopathology: A meta-analytic review. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(2), 217-237.
Compas, B. E., Jaser, S. S., Bettis, A. H., Watson, K. H., Gruhn, M. A., Dunbar, J. P., Williams, E., & Thigpen, J. C. (2017). Coping, emotion regulation, and psychopathology in childhood and adolescence: A meta-analysis and narrative review. Psychological Bulletin, 143(9), 939-991.
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.
