One week of triggers and time-to-return — the data of recovery
A weekly PTSD trigger log. What set it off, what the body did, what returned regulation, how long. Over weeks the last column shortens — that is the data of recovery.
A weekly PTSD trigger log. Five columns per day for seven days: day/time, trigger (sensory, situational, relational), response (body, image, action), what helped return regulation, minutes to return. Over weeks the last column shortens — that is the data of trauma recovery. The log is not a replacement for trauma-focused therapy (CPT, EMDR, PE, trauma-informed IFS). It is the between-session instrument that lets both client and therapist see recovery happening, tune interventions to what actually works for this client's system, and catch patterns the session hour would miss. Return-time data is often the first evidence a client accepts that they are, in fact, healing.
The trajectory of the return-time column across weeks is the recovery data. A fresh log each week erases the evidence.
Clients often log only the obvious triggers. Sensory (a smell, a texture) and relational (a tone of voice) triggers explain the 'unexplained' bad days.
The consistent helpers become the client's stabilization protocol. Protect them like medication.
The measurement is returning to functional, not returning to fine. Fine takes longer; functional is what protects the day.
For most clients, no — brief noting is different from full recall. If tracking itself triggers, shorten the sheet or pause and revisit with the therapist.
Two to eight weeks at a time, then re-audit. Indefinite tracking often becomes surveillance and stops helping.
Yes. Free printable PDF. Sign in to send as a secure client link.
Worksheet — PTSD Trigger Log — provided by TherapistAssist for clinical use. Not a substitute for assessment or treatment.