VAS Scale
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Professional version
Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Client version
Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Editable version (PPT)
An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.
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Introduction & Theoretical Background
Visual analogue scales (VAS's) can be used for subjective ratings of mood, emotion, distress, or other sensations such as pain. Clients simply rate the intensity of the sensation on a scale from 0 - 100, or on whatever scale has been agreed.
This is a handy VAS Scale in the style of a thermometer which can be used for symptom rating. The original version of this worksheet was submitted by Paul McQueen.
Therapist Guidance
Client and therapist should agree the anchor points of a scale, for example “not present at all” to “highest possible”. Clients should be instructed to rate the intensity of the sensation on a scale from 0 - 100, or on whatever scale has been agreed.
For cognitive continuum work clients should be asked to generate the anchor points for a belief scale, such as “I’m unlovable” at 0 and “I’m lovable” at 100. The client can then be asked to give themselves an initial rating on the continuum, before exploring ratings for other people who would lie at different points of the continuum. Once the scale has been elaborated clients can be invited to revise their position on the continuum.
References And Further Reading
- Padesky, C. A. (1994). Schema change processes in cognitive therapy. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 1(5), 267-278.