Daily Mood Log Explained A Step by Step Guide

Daily Mood Log Explained: A Step-by-Step Guide (TEAM-CBT) If you’ve encountered TEAM-CBT or read the work of David Burns, you already know the Daily Mood Log sits at the centre of meaningful emotional change. In this video, I walk you step by step through the Mood Log—what it is, how to fill it out, and how to use it effectively for depression, anxiety, shame, self-worth, discouragement, and more. I also explain why I like to think of it as the Dynamic Mood Log: not a one-time worksheet, but a framework that organizes the entire TEAM process. Like scaffolding on a worksite, it supports the work while it’s happening—keeping things specific, honest, and measurable—and records what works so you can reuse it later. What you’ll learn How to choose one specific upsetting moment (and why that’s enough) How to list emotions and rate their intensity (0–100) How to write effective Negative Thoughts (the 4 rules) How to set healthy, proportional emotional goals Necessary vs. sufficient conditions for powerful counter-thoughts Why scoring columns matter (and why skipping them backfires) Common pitfalls and how to avoid them Different ways to use the Mood Log Helpful links Free Daily Mood Log (original layout): www.feelinggood.com/dml Positive Reframing deep dive (previous episode): [link] Find trained TEAM therapists and coaches: • Feeling Good Institute www.feelinggoodinstitute.com • TEAM-CBT International https://teamcbt.international/ Takeaway The Mood Log isn’t the healing itself—it’s the structure that allows healing to happen. Sometimes clarity alone brings relief. Often, it guides you to the exact tools you need. If you do nothing else, try one Mood Log: one upsetting moment, what you felt, what you thought—and then work one thought. That’s where real change begins. --- AI disclaimer: As a video editor and photographer, I’ve used various algorithms in Photoshop, Affinity Photo, Premiere Pro, and DaVinci Resolve for many years, but the footage is mine or it is stock used with permission, unless it otherwise stated. I do use AI as a dictionary, thesaurus, for continuity, and as a grammar checker. I sometimes bounce my random thoughts off AI as a springboard or help to make long passages more concise. I hire real people to help with editing, ideas, and other tasks.