Logic vs. emotions worksheet

If you’re a therapist in need of a logic vs. emotions worksheet, you’ve landed in the right place.

A logic vs. feelings worksheet can help clients better understand how their feelings may influence their thoughts and behavior. 

This article provides an overview of the emotional mind versus the logical mind, how to find the middle ground, and logic vs. emotion examples. 

We’ve also included a free downloadable logic vs. emotions worksheet for therapists and mental health clinicians to save to their electronic health record (EHR) and share with clients.

What is logic vs. emotion?

Research shows that emotions can influence our thoughts, decisions, and behaviors, which can keep some clients stuck in unhelpful patterns, exacerbating symptoms of anxiety and depression and impacting their interpersonal relationships. 

However, through dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) tools and exercises like using a logic vs. emotions worksheet, clients can strengthen their ability to discern between these states of mind and act more intentionally. 

In DBT, there are three states of mind:

1. The logical mind 

This part of the mind is calm and analytical, using facts and logic to make reasoned decisions. 

This state doesn’t make decisions based on emotions and is best used when needing to learn, plan, research, or make sound decisions. However, if acting too logically, like with a romantic partner, you may come across as cold or lacking empathy.

2. The emotional mind

In this state of mind, you may make decisions based on your emotions, feelings, and urges. This state is best suited when you need empathy, creativity, and adaptability. It is also the part of the brain involved in our close relationships. However, when acting on a strong emotion, this state does not access reasoned thinking and can result in impulsive or irrational behaviors. 

3. Wise mind

The wise mind is the ability to act mindfully and balance input from the rational and emotional mind and inner wisdom. Using your wise mind can help make decisions, respond to situations, communicate, and manage relationships. 

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Logic vs. emotion examples

Here are some examples of using the wise mind tool using the following logic vs. emotions quotes below: 

1. Relationship conflict

• Emotional mind: “I am so angry right now. I am done with this relationship.”

• Logical mind: “Cutting them off now may prevent further hurt. It could also prematurely end the relationship.”

• Wise mind: “Maybe I could take a moment to calm down, figure out what upset me, and then reassert my boundaries.”

2. College work dilemma

• Emotional mind: “I am overwhelmed. Going to that party might help blow off some steam. I need to have some fun.”

• Logical mind: “I have a deadline, and if I drink tonight, I’ll likely be too hungover to finish my paper for tomorrow morning.”

• Wise mind: “Is there a way to achieve both goals? Could I finish my assignment if I work hard for the next two hours, and then go to the party later and enjoy it knowing I’ve met the deadline?”

3. Saying no to a family member

• Emotional mind: “I feel bad saying no and worry I’ll hurt their feelings.”

• Logical mind: “Helping them with money means I won’t be able to meet my financial responsibilities this month.”

• Wise mind: “I can empathize with how hard things are for them right now, tell them I care for them and offer to make them some food, or take them to treatment.”

If your client struggles to notice they are acting from their emotional or logical mind, you might suggest they take an online logic vs. emotions test or simply ask them to reflect on their preferences when making decisions. 

For example:

• Logic-oriented traits may include analyzing pros and cons, researching, staying detached, and preferring facts.

• Emotion-oriented traits include trusting feelings, acting impulsively, listening to their gut, valuing personal relationships and their meaning over rational choices, or responding strongly from their feelings.

As you may reflect to clients, some situations favor logical decision-making and others favor an emotion-oriented approach. Through the logic vs. feelings worksheet, they may consider what is a helpful versus harmful response to each situation and challenge. 

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How to use the logic vs. emotions worksheet 

You can download and use the logic vs. feelings worksheet in several ways.

For example, print or screen share the logic vs. emotions worksheet and use it as a session psychoeducational prompt to take the logic vs. emotions test. 

Give the logic vs. feelings worksheet to the client to remind them of what you discussed during therapy. Then, ask the client to practice the logic vs. emotion exercise between sessions and report their progress at their next therapy appointment. 

Therapists can also share the logic vs. emotions worksheet with coworkers or supervisees.

Sources

• DBT Tools. Mindfulness: Wise Mind Skill.

• McKay, M., Wood, J. C., & Brantley, J. (2019). The dialectical behavior therapy skills workbook: Practical DBT exercises for learning mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance (2nd ed.). New Harbinger Publications.​

• Wise, S. J. (2022). The neurodivergent friendly workbook of DBT skills: A workbook of dialectical behaviour therapy skills reframed to be neurodivergent friendly with the added bonus of accessible mindfulness practices, sensory strategies and managing meltdowns. Independently published.

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