Therapy Resource
Therapy Resource
Clinical resources · est. 2025

Keep your drafts in this browser?

This browser holds client documents you started here, with their undo history, and any client scores you saved. On your own computer, keep them: they'll be here when you sign back in. On a shared computer, delete them. Undo history for worksheets and tools is cleared at sign-out either way, and anything saved to your account stays there.

Emotion Expression Visual Guide

Identifying and labeling core emotions through facial cues

GeneralInfographicFree ResourceLast reviewed April 2026

Emotion Expression Visual Guide

Identifying and labeling core emotions through facial cues

Emotion Expression Visual Guide

Identifying and labeling core emotions through facial cues

Emotion recognition is a foundational skill for emotional intelligence and interpersonal effectiveness. Research shows that people who can tell their emotions apart in detail use emotion regulation strategies more effectively (Kalokerinos et al., 2019). Use this guide to build your emotion vocabulary and become more fluent in recognizing the facial expressions associated with core emotions.

1
Happy
Raised cheeks, crow's feet around the eyes, upturned corners of the mouth. A genuine smile (Duchenne smile) engages the muscles around both the mouth and eyes.
2
Sad
Inner corners of the eyebrows are drawn upward, lower lip may push upward, and the corners of the mouth turn downward. The face may appear heavy or drooping.
3
Angry
Lowered and drawn-together eyebrows, tightened lower eyelids, thinned or pressed lips, and a hard gaze. The jaw may clench and nostrils may flare.
4
Afraid
Eyebrows raised and pulled together, upper eyelids lifted, mouth slightly open, and tension in the lower face. The eyes appear wide and alert.
5
Surprised
Eyebrows raised high, eyes widened, and the jaw drops open. Unlike fear, surprise is brief and does not include the tense, drawn-together brow.
6
Disgusted
Nose wrinkled, upper lip raised, and the cheeks pushed upward. The expression often involves a turning away or recoiling movement.
7
Embarrassed
Gaze averted or directed downward, a controlled or nervous smile, blushing, and sometimes a hand touching the face or neck.
8
Calm
Relaxed forehead and brow, soft eyes, loosened jaw, and a neutral or gently upturned mouth. The overall appearance is open and at ease.
9
Confused
One eyebrow raised higher than the other, squinting or narrowed eyes, pursed or twisted lips, and a tilted head. The expression conveys uncertainty.
10
Proud
Slight upward tilt of the head, a small expansive smile, and a direct gaze. The posture is often upright with the chest slightly open.
Tip: Practice identifying these expressions in daily life to strengthen your emotional awareness.
Emotions are signals, not commands. Recognizing them gives you the power to choose how to respond.

References

  • Kalokerinos, E. K., Erbas, Y., Ceulemans, E., & Kuppens, P. (2019). Differentiate to regulate: Low negative emotion differentiation is associated with ineffective use but not selection of emotion-regulation strategies. Psychological Science, 30(6), 863-879. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797619838763

Related General Worksheets

View all General →
General

Emotion Intensity Gauges

Mapping the full spectrum of emotional activation from calm to crisis

General

Forgiveness Therapy: Pathways to Letting Go

A structured journal for processing resentment and moving toward forgiveness

General

Framing Your Strengths

A creative self-reflection activity

See also

The Masks We Wear

Common Questions

What is the Emotion Expression Visual Guide worksheet?

Emotion recognition is a foundational skill for emotional intelligence and interpersonal effectiveness. Research shows that people who can tell their emotions apart in detail use emotion regulation strategies more effectively (Kalokerinos et al., 2019).

How do I use the Emotion Expression Visual Guide worksheet?

Review this visual guide to understand the concept. Use it as a quick reference during sessions. Consider printing this and keeping it somewhere visible as a daily reminder.

Is the Emotion Expression Visual Guide worksheet free?

Yes. Like every worksheet on Therapy Resource, it is free to read, print, and download as a PDF, no account required. A Pro subscription adds online filling with saved progress, practice-branded PDF exports, and secure client sharing.

Who is the Emotion Expression Visual Guide worksheet for?

It is designed for therapists and counselors doing general work with clients, and for individuals using it for self-guided practice. Pro members can share it with clients through a private link. No client account needed.

Use this worksheet professionally

Pro members can fill worksheets online, save progress, customize content, share with clients, and export branded PDFs.

Try Pro free for 7 days →
← Back to all worksheets
Try Pro

Add to client link

Loading...

Changes appear on the client's bookmarked page right away. No notification is sent, and their answers stay in their own browser. Manage links

Share with Client

Create a private link to share this worksheet directly with a client. They won't need an account to view it.

Saved on this device only, never sent to our servers, and not shown to the recipient. Do not enter names, initials, diagnoses, or appointment times; use a code that means something only to you.