The Surge Log: A Free One-Minute Self-Monitoring Log for Adults with ADHD
ADHD · CBT · Practice-informed
A one-minute log for two or three surges across the week. Each row records the time, trigger, first body signal, size from 0 to 10, what the client did and the aftermath and repair. A short weekly review finds the earliest body signal, the most common trigger and what made a surge smaller.
Underlying mechanism: Brief Self-Monitoring of Emotional Surges and Aftermath in Adult ADHD
What it helps with
- Showing what really happens in a surge, which is often different from what memory says on a bad day.
- Finding the earliest body signal, which is the earliest point at which a pause is possible.
- Recording the aftermath and any repair, where shame and recovery actually happen.
- Giving a protocol-specific measure of change in surge counts and aftermath length.
How clinicians use it
- Introduce it at Session 2 with a cue the client already has and one phone reminder.
- Aim for two or three surges across the week and say a blank row or a missed day is fine.
- Review the first entries together and look for the earliest body signal and the most common trigger.
- Use the counts and the aftermath ratings at the Session 8 review.
Clinical Implementation Guide
- Agree a cue and one phone reminder for the log.
- Review the first entries and find the earliest body signal.
- Use the counts and aftermath ratings at the Session 8 review.
What the worksheet looks like
| When | Trigger | First body signal | Size 0 to 10 | What I did | Aftermath and repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue 4pm | Short reply from manager | Hot ears | 6 | Walked to the window | Two hours of shame, short apology |
Clinical cautions
Keep the log brief: long or strict logs can set the client up to fail and add shame. Never treat a missed entry as a lack of effort. Where the log shows frequent self-harm, aggression or suicidal thoughts, follow local risk procedures and consider a fuller pathway. The log is for spotting patterns, not for judging the client.
References
- López-Pinar, C., Selaskowski, B., Schulze, M., Oscarsson, M., Fenollar-Cortés, J., Sibley, M. H., Philipsen, A., & Hirvikoski, T. (2026). Cognitive behavioral therapy effects on global functioning, domain-specific functioning, and quality of life in adult ADHD: A comprehensive meta-analysis. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 201, 105026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2026.105026
- Safren, S. A., Sprich, S., Mimiaga, M. J., Surman, C., Knouse, L., Groves, M., & Otto, M. W. (2010). Cognitive behavioral therapy vs relaxation with educational support for medication-treated adults with ADHD and persistent symptoms: A randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 304(8), 875-880. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2010.1192
- Solanto, M. V., Marks, D. J., Wasserstein, J., Mitchell, K., Abikoff, H., Alvir, J. M. J., & Kofman, M. D. (2010). Efficacy of meta-cognitive therapy for adult ADHD. American Journal of Psychiatry, 167(8), 958-968. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2009.09081123
Copyright and use in research
© 2026 Dr Richard Pomfret and Third Wave Therapy Tools. May be used in research with the author and site cited. Version 1.0, approved 10 October 2026, revised as the evidence develops.
Suggested citation (APA 7th edition): Pomfret, R. (2026). Steady the Surge: A skills-first, neuroaffirmative protocol for adults with ADHD and emotional surges (Version 1.0) [Therapist guide and worksheets]. Third Wave Therapy Tools. https://thirdwavetherapytools.com/
Part of
Steady the Surge
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