Stuck point log
Keep a running list of the stuck points that keep you caught up in a trauma, rate how much you believe each one, and rate it again at review. Based on Resick, Monson and Chard (2024): the stuck point log of cognitive processing therapy, in our own words, with belief ratings and a column for the five themes added.
Written by Tarun Vermani, Trainee Clinical Psychologist Last reviewed
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Stuck point log
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Keeping a log of stuck points
A stuck point is a thought that keeps you caught up in what happened. It might be about why it happened, or about what it means for you, other people or the world.
You add to this list through your therapy. Keep every stuck point on it, even when it changes.
You do not need to write about what happened. Write the thought, not the memory. You can leave any box blank.
My stuck points
This can bring up strong feelings. You can stop at any point, use a grounding skill, and come back to it later or bring it to your next session.
If the harsh things you write about yourself here turn into thoughts of hurting yourself, use your safety plan if you have one, and tell your therapist or care team. If you feel unsafe right now, call 999 or go to A&E. To talk to someone now, call Samaritans free on 116 123.
Stuck points often blame you for what happened ('It was my fault because...'), say what you should have done, or say something extreme about you, other people or the world ('No one can be trusted'). They are thoughts, not feelings ('I feel scared') or facts about the event. Try to write each one as a short sentence, or as 'If..., then...'. Your therapist will help you word them.
Rate belief from 0 to 100, where 0 means you do not believe it at all and 100 means you believe it completely. Rate it when you write it. At each review, rate the same stuck point again in the last column, replacing the earlier review rating.
The five themes are safety, trust, power and control, esteem and intimacy. Add a theme if you and your therapist have talked about themes. It is fine to leave it blank.
| # | Date written | Stuck point, in my own words | Theme, if I know it | Belief first (0 to 100) | Belief now (0 to 100) | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||||||
| 2 | ||||||
| 3 |
Looking at my log
Every few sessions, look at the whole list with your therapist, rate each stuck point again, and choose what to work on next. A stuck point that has not moved is useful to know about. It is not a failure.
Try it here — nothing you type is saved. Sign up to assign it and let clients complete it on any device.
When to use the Stuck point log
The Stuck point log is an interactive cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) worksheet, most often used in CBT for trauma and PTSD.
It is designed to be used within therapy rather than as a standalone self-help tool: a therapist introduces it, works through it collaboratively, and helps make sense of what it surfaces. You can preview the full worksheet above, then assign it digitally for clients to complete between sessions on any device or download it as a print-ready PDF.
How it works
Most people work through it in around 10 minutes. It moves through three short steps:
- Keeping a log of stuck points: A stuck point is a thought that keeps you caught up in what happened. It might be about why it happened, or about what it means for you,…
- My stuck points: This can bring up strong feelings. You can stop at any point, use a grounding skill, and come back to it later or bring it to your next…
- Looking at my log: Every few sessions, look at the whole list with your therapist, rate each stuck point again, and choose what to work on next. A stuck point…
Completed on the Formulate platform, your client's answers are saved automatically and shared straight back to you, so you can review them before the next session rather than waiting for a paper copy to come back.
The CBT approach behind it
In common with other CBT methods, the Stuck point log works by noticing the links between situations, thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and behaviour and finding practical ways to change unhelpful patterns. The aim is not positive thinking but a clearer, shared understanding of what keeps a difficulty going and practical, testable ways to change it.
Because it is a CBT tool it stays focused on the here-and-now links between thoughts, feelings, the body and behaviour, and it works best as one part of a wider course of therapy rather than as advice or a diagnosis.
Evidence & sources
This worksheet is grounded in established cognitive behavioural therapy theory and practice. Key sources include:
- Resick, P.A., Monson, C.M., & Chard, K.M. (2024). Cognitive processing therapy for PTSD: A comprehensive manual (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
- Resick, P.A., & Schnicke, M.K. (1992). Cognitive processing therapy for sexual assault victims. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 60(5), 748-756. doi:10.1037/0022-006X.60.5.748
For use alongside professional support
Formulate provides educational CBT resources for use with a qualified therapist. They are not a substitute for professional assessment, diagnosis, or crisis care.
If you need urgent help now:
- Emergency services: 999 — if you or someone else is in immediate danger
- NHS 111 (NHS 24 in Scotland): 111 — choose the mental health option for urgent help, in England, Scotland and Wales (in Wales, press 2)
- Lifeline: 0808 808 8000 — for urgent help in Northern Ireland, free, day or night
- Samaritans: 116 123 — free, day or night, 365 days a year
- Shout: 85258 — text SHOUT, free, day or night
- SANEline: 0300 304 7000 — 4pm–10pm, every day
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