If you’re a therapist, counselor, or coach, writing therapy notes is a crucial part of your practice.
But how do you write effective, clear, and ethically sound session notes—without spending hours each day?

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to structure your therapy notes using widely accepted formats like SOAP and DAP. Plus, you’ll get a free downloadable template and a look at a professionally designed Therapist Session Notebook you can use today.

🧠 Why Well-Structured Therapy Notes Matter

Therapy notes aren’t just paperwork. They help you:

• Document progress clearly
• Stay focused on goals
• Ensure continuity between sessions
• Protect both you and your client legally and ethically

✍️ Common Therapy Note Formats

1. SOAP Notes

Subjective: What the client said or reported
Objective: Observations you made during the session
Assessment: Your clinical interpretation
Plan: What’s next – homework, goals, referrals

✅ Best for: Medical/clinical settings, insurance documentation

2. DAP Notes

Data: The session content, what was discussed
Assessment: Your insights and client progress
Plan: Next session goals or assigned tasks

✅ Best for: Private practice, less rigid but still structured

3. Freeform with Prompts

A more open layout guided by questions like:

• “What stood out today?”
• “What emotional shifts occurred?”
• “What’s the next actionable step?”

✅ Best for: Coaching or alternative therapy methods

🧾 What to Include in Each Session Note

• 🧍 Client name & session number
• 📅 Date and time
• 🎯 Presenting concerns or goals
• ✏️ Observations (quotes, behavior, body language)
• 🔄 Interventions used
• 🔚 Summary and follow-up plan
• 🟢 Optional: Client mood scale, safeguarding notes

📥 Download a Free Therapy Notes Template (PDF)

Want to start structuring your notes better today?

👉 Click here to download your FREE printable therapy notes template
It includes:

• ✅ Client Information Page – track personal and session log details.
• ✅ Main Discussion Area – structured space for session summaries and observations.
• ✅ Mood Tracker – simple before/after scale (1 to 10) to monitor emotional changes.
• ✅ Safeguarding Notes – document important concerns securely.
• ✅ Resources & Techniques Used – track therapeutic tools and approaches.
• ✅ Homework Section – space for both client and therapist to assign tasks.
• ✅ Next Session Planning – keep continuity strong and goal-oriented.
  

📓 Want a Pre-Formatted, Premium Therapist Notebook?

If you’re looking for something more polished and consistent, we designed a therapist notebook with exactly these sections in mind.

The Jots & Tally Therapist Session Notebook includes: ✅ 120+ structured session pages
✅ Mood check-in & goal tracker
✅ Intake summary & treatment plan pages
✅ Professional look for office or private use

🛒 Order it now on Amazon →

💬 Final Thoughts

Therapy notes don’t have to be overwhelming. With the right format and tools, you’ll save time, stay organized, and better serve your clients.

Use our free template to get started, or grab the full notebook to take your note-taking to the next level.