Intersubjective Systems Theory (ISTDP) Worksheet

	Exploratory Questions
1	Describe a recent situation where you felt misunderstood. What emotions did you experience?
2	Think about a recurring conflict in one of your relationships. What patterns do you notice?
3	Identify a moment when you felt a strong emotional reaction that seemed disproportionate. What might have triggered it?
4	Reflect on a relationship where you feel safe. What aspects of this relationship make it feel secure?
5	Consider a challenging relationship. What emotions and thoughts arise when you interact with this person?
6	Write about a time when you resolved a conflict effectively. What did you do differently that helped resolve the issue?
7	Describe how you typically express anger or dissatisfaction in a relationship. What would be a healthier way to express these?
8	Reflect on how your relationships have evolved. Are there any patterns you wish to change? Why?
9	Imagine your ideal relationship. What key emotions and behaviors would define this relationship?
10	Consider what barriers you face in achieving the relationships you desire. How can you start addressing these barriers?

References

Davanloo, H. (1990). Unlocking the unconscious: Selected papers of Habib Davanloo, MD. Chichester: Wiley.

Abbass, A. (2015). Reaching through resistance: Advanced psychotherapy techniques. Kansas City: Seven Leaves Press.

You can download more Mental Health worksheets here.

Please note: There may be a more up-to-date and editable version of this worksheet available here which may be more suitable to present to clients if you are a therapist or to use in a classroom as a teacher or guidance counsellor.

Intersubjective Systems Theory (ISTDP) Worksheet

Exploratory Questions

1

Describe a recent situation where you felt misunderstood. What emotions did you experience?

2

Think about a recurring conflict in one of your relationships. What patterns do you notice?

3

Identify a moment when you felt a strong emotional reaction that seemed disproportionate. What might have triggered it?

4

Reflect on a relationship where you feel safe. What aspects of this relationship make it feel secure?

5

Consider a challenging relationship. What emotions and thoughts arise when you interact with this person?

6

Write about a time when you resolved a conflict effectively. What did you do differently that helped resolve the issue?

7

Describe how you typically express anger or dissatisfaction in a relationship. What would be a healthier way to express these?

8

Reflect on how your relationships have evolved. Are there any patterns you wish to change? Why?

9

Imagine your ideal relationship. What key emotions and behaviors would define this relationship?

10

Consider what barriers you face in achieving the relationships you desire. How can you start addressing these barriers?

References