FAQ
What is a feeling wheel?
A feeling wheel is a circular chart of emotions. Broad core emotions sit near the center and branch outward into more specific feelings, so you can move from a general sense of what you feel to the exact word. Read more in our guide, What Is a Feeling Wheel?
Who designed your feeling wheel?
Therapists at the Center for Psychotherapy in Santa Barbara, California, a team of 30 therapists providing trauma-informed therapy. Learn more about us.
How is your wheel different from other feeling wheels?
Most feeling wheels start with five or six core emotions. Ours has 11, which makes it easier to find your starting point. They are built from the seven primary emotions identified by neuroscientist Jaak Panksepp. Its secondary and tertiary feelings are chosen to connect accurately to the core emotion they branch from.
Why is the center of the wheel empty?
We considered putting "alive" or "peaceful" in the center and decided against it. The empty circle is like the eye of a hurricane: a place of stillness, free of emotion or thought, but very much alive.
How do I use a feeling wheel?
Pause and notice what you feel. Find the closest core emotion on the inner ring, then follow that section outward to a more specific word. Say it, write it down, or point to it. If more than one word fits, name them all.
Is it useful for kids and couples?
Yes. Kids can point to a feeling when it is hard to say out loud. At our center, couples often use the wheel in our hallway to name what they feel toward each other before a session. A feeling wheel is a helpful tool, not a substitute for professional care.
Which product is best for a therapy office or classroom?
- 12" aluminum wheel: durable and wipeable, great for busy rooms.
- 16" metal sign or 20" canvas: larger and easy to read from across a room.
- 14" satin poster: the most affordable wall option.
- Pillows and the blanket: something to hold on the therapy couch.
How long does shipping take?
Orders ship within 5 business days. Most items are made to order in different locations, so items in one order may arrive separately. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout. See our shipping policy.
Can I return an item?
If your item arrives damaged, defective, or incorrect, we will replace it or refund you. See our refund policy for details.
Can I order for a school, practice, or group?
Yes. Please contact us about larger orders.