Symptom Card — Coherence Therapy | Psychotherapy Library

Writing the discovered pro-symptom knowledge on a card, which the client rereads daily to maintain awareness between sessions.

Step-by-step guide

Together with the client, write down the pro-symptom position in exact words
Format: "I know that [X]. This knowledge appeared when [root experience]. Therefore I need [the symptom]"
The client rereads the card each morning — slowly, aloud or silently
After rereading: "How much does this still feel true? From 1 to 10?"
In the next session discuss: how did the rating move? What did you notice?
Update the card as understanding deepens

When to use

After the pro-symptom position has been formulated
As homework between sessions

Key phrases

This sentence is too important to remember vaguely. Write it on a card, carry it in your bag, and read it slowly each morning — aloud if you can. After reading, note on a 1-10 scale how true it still feels.

Follow-up questions

How did it feel to read it today?

What was the rating today compared to yesterday?

What happened in your body while reading?

Did avoiding the card happen — and what does the avoidance tell us?

Alternative phrasings

If paper feels heavy, a note on the phone works.

If reading aloud feels too much, silent reading with attention is enough.

Warnings

⚠️ Some clients will avoid rereading — this itself is informative. Explore: what gets in the way?

Source: Ecker & Hulley, 1996; Ecker, Ticic & Hulley, 2012