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Lesson 1 of 9 · 3 promptsAI for Psychologists
LESSON 01 OF 9

Explain Psychological Concepts

3 prompts for Psychologists

Prompts for Psychologists: copy one, fill it in, paste it into your AI.

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In this lesson

  1. 01Explain Diagnosis in Plain LanguageUse this when you need to describe a diagnosis in client-friendly language without diagnosing.
  2. 02Translate Therapy JargonUse this when you want to replace clinical jargon with everyday words in a handout or conversation.
  3. 03Draft Psychoeducation Teaching ScriptUse this when you need a short, plain-language teaching script on symptoms, coping skills, or brain-behavior links for a client group or workshop.
1Copy the promptClick Copy on the prompt you need.
2Paste it into your AIChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot.
3Fill in the {{brackets}}Your own details, or let the AI ask you.
4Follow up and checkUse the follow-ups, then check the facts.
01

Explain Diagnosis in Plain Language

Use this when you need to describe a diagnosis in client-friendly language without diagnosing.

Prompt

Role — You are a psychology educator who translates clinical diagnoses into plain, respectful language for clients. You optimise for clarity and comfort, never for diagnosis or clinical advice.

Context you provide —

  • {{diagnosis_name}} — the diagnosis label to explain (e.g., generalised anxiety disorder)
  • {{client_context}} — brief client situation, age, or what they already know
  • {{key_features}} — main symptoms or experiences to include, in plain terms
  • {{tone_or_reading_level}} — e.g., simple, warm, for a teenager
  • {{length}} — how long the explanation should be (e.g., 150 words)

Instructions —

  1. Ask for any missing inputs, then explain the diagnosis.
  2. Write a short, clear explanation of what the diagnosis generally means, using everyday language and one relatable example or analogy.
  3. Describe common experiences without saying the client has them. Use phrases like "people with this diagnosis often..." or "this can look like..."
  4. Add a brief note on what the diagnosis is not (e.g., not a personal failing, not a lifelong sentence).
  5. End with a gentle suggestion to discuss any personal questions with a qualified professional.

Output format — A single paragraph or two short paragraphs, 100 to 200 words unless {{length}} says otherwise. Warm, plain, non-clinical tone. No diagnostic criteria numbers, no jargon, no definitive statements about the client. Leave out statistics, medication advice, and treatment plans.

Guardrails —

  • Do not diagnose, confirm, or rule out any condition. You explain, not assess.
  • Do not invent criteria, statistics, or research findings. Use only the inputs provided.
  • If the explanation touches on risk, trauma, or crisis, tell the user to consult a licensed professional or local emergency service.

Example — {{diagnosis_name}}: generalised anxiety disorder; {{client_context}}: 28-year-old, first therapy session; {{key_features}}: constant worry, trouble sleeping; {{tone_or_reading_level}}: simple and warm; {{length}}: 150 words.

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02

Translate Therapy Jargon

Use this when you want to replace clinical jargon with everyday words in a handout or conversation.

Prompt

Role: You are a psychologist who translates clinical jargon into everyday language for clients and their families. You optimize for understanding, comfort, and retention.

Context you provide

  • {{jargon_terms}}: list of clinical terms or phrases to translate
  • {{target_audience}}: who will read or hear this (e.g., client, family, general public)
  • {{format}}: handout, conversation script, or verbal explanation
  • {{reading_level}}: desired reading level (e.g., 6th grade, plain English)
  • {{context}}: setting or purpose (e.g., therapy session, psychoeducation group)

Instructions

  1. Ask for any missing inputs, then translate each term.
  2. For each term, provide a plain-language equivalent using short sentences and common words.
  3. Avoid metaphors or analogies that could confuse or stigmatize.
  4. If a term has no simple equivalent, give a brief, respectful explanation instead.
  5. Match the tone to the audience and setting, keeping it warm and non-patronizing.
  6. Ensure the translation fits the chosen format (e.g., bullet points for handouts, conversational lines for scripts).
  7. Review for cultural sensitivity and accessibility.

Output format A two-column table or bulleted list: original term and plain-language version. For conversation scripts, write the lines as you would say them. Keep each translation to one or two sentences. Use a warm, clear, non-judgmental tone. Leave out clinical definitions, diagnostic criteria, and complex terminology.

Guardrails

  • Do not invent new clinical terms, diagnoses, or statistics.
  • Flag any term where simplification might change clinical meaning, and advise checking with a licensed professional.
  • Do not provide medical advice or replace clinical judgement.

Example {{jargon_terms}}: affect, comorbidity, ego-dystonic; {{target_audience}}: adult client with anxiety; {{format}}: handout; {{reading_level}}: 8th grade; {{context}}: first therapy session.

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03

Draft Psychoeducation Teaching Script

Use this when you need a short, plain-language teaching script on symptoms, coping skills, or brain-behavior links for a client group or workshop.

Prompt

Role You are a psychologist who writes plain-language psychoeducation scripts that give listeners one clear concept and one usable step.

Context you provide

  • {{topic}}: concept or symptom to teach
  • {{audience}}: who is listening
  • {{duration_minutes}}: target speaking time
  • {{setting}}: group, one-to-one, telehealth, or class
  • {{key_points}}: must-cover ideas
  • {{reading_level}}: plain, secondary, or professional
  • {{cultural_notes}}: language or sensitivities to respect
  • {{next_step}}: what listeners should try or ask

Instructions

  1. Ask for any missing inputs, then draft the script.
  2. Open with one sentence on why this topic matters to {{audience}}.
  3. Explain each key point in short spoken sentences and one everyday analogy.
  4. Add a brief "what this does not mean" section to prevent misreading.
  5. Give one coping, grounding, or self-monitoring step.
  6. Close with {{next_step}} and an invitation to ask questions.
  7. Define any clinical term in plain words.

Output format A spoken script with timing marks every {{duration_minutes}} and a one-line takeaway. Plain prose, warm and calm, non-diagnostic. Leave out statistics, medication advice, and cause claims.

Guardrails

  • Do not invent statistics, study names, diagnostic codes, or treatment claims.
  • Flag assumptions about the audience or setting, and mark where local regulation or a licensed clinician must confirm content.
  • If the topic touches diagnosis, medication, or risk, tell the user to check current clinical guidance and scope of practice.

Example Topic: panic symptoms; audience: first-time therapy group; duration: 10; setting: in-person group; key points: fight-or-flight, breathlessness, no danger; reading level: plain; cultural notes: avoid drowning metaphors; next step: try slow breathing once.

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