How We Recognize Interventions
Tenor analyzes session transcripts using a clinically informed framework. We look for:
Therapist language – direct invitations such as “Let’s try a grounding exercise” or “How about writing this thought down?”
Context shifts – moments where the session moves from reflection to skill-building or structured work.
Client participation – evidence that the client is engaging with the technique, whether through practice, reflection, or feedback.
Each moment is then mapped against our intervention library (see full list below), which spans CBT, DBT, ACT, trauma-focused, psychodynamic, somatic, and more.
Success vs. Improvement
Not all interventions land in the same way. Tenor tracks them as either successful or improvement-oriented depending on what happens in session.
Intervention successes
We categorize an intervention as successful when:
The therapist clearly applies a recognized technique.
The client demonstrates direct engagement (e.g., practicing a skill, offering new insight, shifting perspective).
There is evidence of progress toward a therapeutic goal (e.g., reduced distress, clarified values, reframed thought).
Examples:
Client successfully completes a thought record during session.
Client practices opposite action and reports a shift in emotion.
Therapist guides a grounding exercise, and the client appears calmer.
Intervention improvements
An improvement is logged when:
The therapist introduces or attempts a technique, but the client response is partial, hesitant, or preliminary.
The skill is framed but not yet practiced to completion.
There is movement toward insight or change, but not a clear resolution.
Examples:
Therapist introduces cognitive defusion, and the client begins exploring the idea but remains skeptical.
Homework is assigned but not yet reviewed.
Client engages in mindfulness exercise but reports difficulty sustaining attention.
Full List of Intervention Categories
Tenor recognizes interventions across the following domains:
Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques (e.g., Restructuring, Graded Exposure, Problem-Solving)
DBT Skills (Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Mindfulness)
ACT Interventions (Values Clarification, Defusion, Committed Action, Acceptance)
Somatic Techniques (Body Awareness, Nervous System Regulation, Embodiment Practices)
Trauma-Focused Approaches (EMDR, Trauma Narrative, Grounding, Safety Planning)
Mindfulness & Relaxation (Meditation, Guided Imagery, Progressive Muscle Relaxation)
Psychodynamic Techniques (Interpretation, Transference Work, Pattern Recognition)
Humanistic/Experiential Work (Empty Chair, Gestalt Awareness, Expressive Arts)
Couples Therapy Tools (EFT, Gottman Interventions, Attachment Injury Repair)
Motivational Interviewing (Change Talk, Decisional Balance, Goal Setting)
Solution-Focused Therapy (Miracle Question, Exception Finding, Scaling)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) (Parts Identification, Self-Leadership, Unburdening)
Assessment & Planning (Risk Assessment, Progress Review, Treatment Planning)
Psychoeducation (Symptom Explanation, Coping Skills, Lifestyle Counseling)
Crisis Intervention (Stabilization, Suicide Risk Assessment, Crisis Planning)
Core Therapeutic Skills (Validation, Empathy, Normalization, Reframing)
Narrative & Meaning-Making (Externalization, Re-authoring, Meaning-Making)
Behavioral Techniques (ERP, Behavioral Rehearsal, Role Playing, Modeling)
Homework & Between-Session Work (Assignment, Review, Self-Monitoring)
If you think something is missing from the list and would like an intervention or modality to be added, please email us at support@tenortherapy.com with your suggestions!