What should a SOAP note for humanistic therapy include?

Subjective: the client’s own account of feelings, concerns and events. Objective: affect and emotional shifts, engagement, outcome scores and the interventions used. Assessment: symptoms, function and change linked to the diagnosis and goals, and suicide risk. Plan: next session focus, anything the client chose to try and repeat measures.

How do you show medical necessity in person-centered therapy?

Record a diagnosis your assessment supports, measurable goals, the symptoms and functional problems still present, and the specific interventions you used. A brief outcome measure repeated over time shows whether treatment is helping.

What are the ORS and SRS?

The Outcome Rating Scale (ORS) and Session Rating Scale (SRS) are four-item visual analogue scales, each scored 0 to 40. The ORS tracks how the client is doing; scores below 25 are commonly used as the adult clinical cut-off. The SRS rates the session and the working alliance; scores below 36 can signal an alliance problem to discuss.

How do you document two-chair work?

For two-chair dialogue, name the internal conflict, such as a self-critical split, record each side’s statements in brief, the emotional shift you observed and the need the client identified. Unfinished business with a significant other is usually worked on with the separate empty-chair task; name that task when you use it. Record changes as in-session shifts unless the client reports change outside the session.

Do humanistic therapists need treatment goals?

Yes, if the session is billed to insurance or your organization requires them. Goals can be written in the client’s own terms, but they should be specific enough to show progress, such as a daily routine or an outcome score.

SOAP Notes for Humanistic Therapy: Template + Examples (2026)

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Overview

This guide is part of our complete SOAP notes hub — format structure, a full clinical example, and all 72 diagnosis-specific templates.

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Short answer: a SOAP note for humanistic therapy (person-centered, emotion-focused, Gestalt or existential work) uses the same four parts as any SOAP note. Subjective: the client’s own account of their week, feelings and concerns, with short quotes where they carry meaning. Objective: what you observed (affect, shifts in emotion, engagement), any outcome scores, and the interventions you used, such as empathic reflection or chair work. Assessment: your clinical judgment of symptoms, functioning and change, linked to the diagnosis and goals. Plan: the next session focus, anything the client chose to try, and when you will repeat measures.

Humanistic therapy follows the client’s lead and does not use homework the same way CBT does, but payers still expect a diagnosis, measurable goals and evidence of progress. Name the method and what you did, record symptoms and function in concrete terms, and use a brief outcome measure so progress is not only described in the client’s words.

What to document in a SOAP note for humanistic therapy

Humanistic therapy details to document in a SOAP note, with fictional example wording
Section	What to document	Example wording
Subjective	The client’s account of feelings, concerns and events since the last session, in their words where it matters	“Said she ‘failed at the one thing I was meant to do’ and has not opened her laptop since leaving the program.”
Objective	Affect and emotional shifts, engagement, outcome scores, and the interventions used	“ORS 21 (intake 17). Tearful during chair work, then calmer and sat up straighter. Interventions: empathic reflection, two-chair dialogue.”
Assessment	Symptoms, function and change, linked to the diagnosis and goals; suicide risk	“Adjustment disorder, improving; self-criticism softened in session; still below the ORS clinical cut-off; acute risk low.”
Plan	Next session focus, what the client chose to try, and repeat measures	“Continue weekly; client chose to update her résumé for 30 minutes; ORS and SRS each session.”

Safety. Follow the client’s lead in content, but ask directly about suicide when there are signs of hopelessness, and record the answer. If a client reports suicidal thoughts, assess and record current thoughts, plan, intent, preparatory behavior, past attempts, access to means (including firearms and medications), protective factors, your risk formulation and the safety plan. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline takes calls and texts at 988; for imminent danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

How to Document SOAP Notes for Humanistic Therapy

Subjective

Record the client's reported symptoms, concerns, mood, and perspective in their own words

When documenting the Subjective section in a humanistic approach, capture the client’s personal experience, emotions, and self-expressed concerns to understand their internal world and perspective.

Client’s description of current emotional state and mood fluctuations
Personal meaning attributed to presenting concerns or life events
Client-identified triggers or stressors impacting well-being
Expression of hopes, values, or goals influencing their experience
Reported changes in self-awareness or insight since last session

Objective

Document clinical observations, affect, behavior, appearance, and measurable data

In the Objective section, record observable behaviors, therapist’s clinical observations, and specific humanistic techniques or modalities utilized during the session to support client self-exploration.

Noted nonverbal cues such as body language, eye contact, and affect congruence
Use of reflective listening or empathetic responses demonstrated
Application of person-centered techniques like unconditional positive regard
Documentation of any experiential exercises (e.g., guided imagery, mindfulness)
Observations of client engagement and responsiveness to interventions

Assessment

Provide clinical interpretation, diagnostic impressions, and progress evaluation

The Assessment section should synthesize clinical impressions, client progress, and therapeutic relationship dynamics from a humanistic perspective to inform understanding of the client’s growth and challenges.

Evaluation of client’s movement toward self-acceptance and authenticity
Assessment of client’s openness to exploring feelings and thoughts
Consideration of barriers to self-actualization or personal growth
Reflection on client’s reaction to therapeutic interventions and rapport
Clinical impressions regarding alignment between client’s values and behaviors

Plan

Outline treatment strategy, interventions, homework, and follow-up schedule

Document the collaborative plan focused on fostering client autonomy, continued self-exploration, and growth, including any agreed-upon tasks, adjustments to therapy, and scheduling.

Identification of homework aimed at enhancing self-awareness or emotional expression
Plans to introduce or modify humanistic techniques in upcoming sessions
Referral considerations for additional supportive services if needed
Scheduling of next session with attention to client readiness and preferences
Agreed goals for personal development or relational improvements before next meeting