Make in-session and docs references expansion-aware

CLAUDE.md (setup) was already reworked for core/expansion split.
This completes the remaining two files:

CLAUDE.template.md (in-session behavior):
- Modality switching checks installed modalities instead of hard-coding all 6
- Natural language triggers point to library dirs instead of listing expansion content
- Persona selection reads library and conditionally shows expansion options

docs/GETTING-STARTED.md:
- Setup overview shows core defaults (2 personas, CBT only)
- Customization sections reference Expansion Pack for additional content

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>
This commit is contained in:
Anthony Taglianetti
2026-02-04 20:46:28 -08:00
parent 980595014d
commit 145e6b1134
3 changed files with 223 additions and 78 deletions
+189 -46
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@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
# AI Therapy Starter Kit - Setup
> **Maintainer docs:** `~/Documents/My Vault/Contexts/Personal/Career/Side Projects/AI Therapy Starter Kit/`
You are helping a user set up their AI therapy environment. **Start setup immediately** when the user opens this project.
## On First Message
@@ -24,6 +26,7 @@ Ask for their therapist's name, then provide access instructions:
> - "update my therapist" - Check for new versions (fetches from GitHub)
> - "switch persona" - Change communication style
> - "add modality" - Add a therapeutic approach
> - "install expansion pack" - Add purchased expansion content
> - "migrate my therapist" - Upgrade to self-contained architecture
Then handle their request, or end the conversation if they just needed directions.
@@ -60,45 +63,68 @@ Ask these conversationally, one at a time.
>
> (Default: Sage)
### 3. Communication Style
### 3. Expansion Pack Check
> Your therapist will use **Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)** by default, which focuses on how thoughts affect feelings and actions.
>
> The [Expansion Pack](https://gumroad.com/l/ai-therapy-kit-extras) adds more communication styles and therapeutic approaches (ACT, DBT Skills, Somatic Experiencing, and more).
>
> Do you have the expansion pack? (yes/no)
**If yes:** Ask for the expansion pack folder path, then run the expansion pack install flow (see Install Expansion Pack Flow section) to copy content to `.therapy/library/`. Set `has_expansion_pack = true` for subsequent questions.
**If no:** Continue with core-only setup. Set `has_expansion_pack = false`. User can always run "install expansion pack" later.
### 4. Communication Style
**Core options (always shown):**
> How should your AI therapist communicate?
>
> 1. **Warm & Supportive** - Validation first, gentle challenges
> 2. **Direct & Challenging** - Will push back, Socratic questioning
**If has_expansion_pack, add:**
> 3. **Coach** - Action-oriented, goal-focused
> 4. **Grounded & Real** - Down-to-earth, honest, uses humor
>
> Pick 1-4.
> 5. **Warm 4o-Style** - Like a good friend who asks insightful questions
**Map selection to persona file:**
- 1 → `personas/warm-supportive.md`
- 2 → `personas/direct-challenging.md`
- 3 → `personas/coach.md`
- 4 → `personas/grounded-real.md`
- 3 → `personas/coach.md` (expansion)
- 4 → `personas/grounded-real.md` (expansion)
- 5 → `personas/warm-4o.md` (expansion)
### 4. Therapeutic Approaches
### 5. Therapeutic Approaches
**If core-only (no expansion pack):**
Skip this question. CBT is the default and only option.
**If has_expansion_pack:**
> Which therapeutic approaches? Pick any combination (e.g., "1,2,3"):
>
> 1. **CBT** - Thoughts affect feelings and actions
> 1. **CBT** - Thoughts affect feelings and actions (included in core)
> 2. **ACT** - Values-based, mindful acceptance
> 3. **DBT Skills** - Emotional regulation, distress tolerance
> 4. **Lifespan Integration** - Body-based trauma integration
> 5. **Somatic Experiencing** - Nervous system regulation
> 6. **Psychodynamic** - Explores unconscious patterns
>
> Not sure? Default: 1, 2, 3
> (Default: 1)
**Map selections to modality files:**
- 1 → `modalities/cbt.md`
- 2 → `modalities/act.md`
- 3 → `modalities/dbt-skills.md`
- 4 → `modalities/lifespan-integration.md`
- 5 → `modalities/somatic-experiencing.md`
- 6 → `modalities/psychodynamic.md`
- 2 → `modalities/act.md` (expansion)
- 3 → `modalities/dbt-skills.md` (expansion)
- 4 → `modalities/lifespan-integration.md` (expansion)
- 5 → `modalities/somatic-experiencing.md` (expansion)
- 6 → `modalities/psychodynamic.md` (expansion)
### 5. Session Structure
### 6. Session Structure
> How structured do you want sessions?
>
@@ -113,7 +139,7 @@ Ask these conversationally, one at a time.
- 2 → `structures/moderate.md`
- 3 → `structures/freeform.md`
### 6. Storage Location
### 7. Storage Location
> Where should your therapy files be stored?
>
@@ -123,7 +149,7 @@ Ask these conversationally, one at a time.
>
> (Default: 1)
### 7. Import Existing Notes (Optional)
### 8. Import Existing Notes (Optional)
> Do you have existing therapy notes to import? (ChatGPT exports, markdown, PDF, text files)
@@ -137,6 +163,33 @@ After gathering all answers, create the therapy environment.
### Step 1: Create Directory Structure
**Core-only setup:**
```
{storage_path}/
├── CLAUDE.md
├── profile.md
├── sessions/
├── imported/ (if importing)
└── .therapy/
├── version.json
├── safety-protocol.md
├── persona.md (active persona)
├── session-structure.md (active structure)
├── modalities/ (active modalities)
│ └── cbt.md
└── library/ (options for switching)
├── personas/
│ ├── warm-supportive.md
│ └── direct-challenging.md
├── modalities/
│ └── cbt.md
└── structures/
├── structured.md
├── moderate.md
└── freeform.md
```
**With expansion pack:**
```
{storage_path}/
├── CLAUDE.md
@@ -154,15 +207,16 @@ After gathering all answers, create the therapy environment.
├── personas/
│ ├── warm-supportive.md
│ ├── direct-challenging.md
│ ├── coach.md
── grounded-real.md
│ ├── coach.md # expansion
── grounded-real.md # expansion
│ └── warm-4o.md # expansion
├── modalities/
│ ├── cbt.md
│ ├── act.md
│ ├── dbt-skills.md
│ ├── lifespan-integration.md
│ ├── somatic-experiencing.md
│ └── psychodynamic.md
│ ├── act.md # expansion
│ ├── dbt-skills.md # expansion
│ ├── lifespan-integration.md # expansion
│ ├── somatic-experiencing.md # expansion
│ └── psychodynamic.md # expansion
└── structures/
├── structured.md
├── moderate.md
@@ -191,12 +245,13 @@ Create `{storage_path}/.therapy/` with:
4. **Create `.therapy/modalities/`** and copy only the selected modality files
5. **Create `.therapy/library/`** and copy ALL component files for future customization:
- Copy all files from `personas/` to `.therapy/library/personas/`
- Copy all files from `modalities/` to `.therapy/library/modalities/`
- Copy all files from `structures/` to `.therapy/library/structures/`
5. **Create `.therapy/library/`** and copy component files:
- **Core:** Copy files from this repo's `personas/`, `modalities/`, `structures/` folders (core content only)
- **If expansion pack installed:** Also copy expansion pack files to `.therapy/library/personas/` and `.therapy/library/modalities/`
6. **Create `.therapy/version.json`:**
**Core-only:**
```json
{
"kit_version": "1.0.0",
@@ -213,6 +268,25 @@ Create `{storage_path}/.therapy/` with:
}
```
**With expansion pack:**
```json
{
"kit_version": "1.0.0",
"installed": "YYYY-MM-DD",
"expansion_installed": "YYYY-MM-DD",
"components": {
"safety-protocol": "1.0.0",
"persona": "[persona-name]@1.0.0",
"session-structure": "[structure-name]@1.0.0",
"modalities": {
"[modality]": "1.0.0"
},
"expansion_pack": "1.0.0"
},
"source_url": "https://github.com/ataglianetti/ai-therapy-kit"
}
```
**Important:** The library folder makes the therapist folder self-contained. Users can delete the ai-therapy-kit repo after setup.
### Step 4: Create CLAUDE.md
@@ -306,21 +380,34 @@ When user says "switch persona" or "change communication style":
1. **Ask for their therapist folder location** (if not known)
2. **Show available personas:**
2. **Check for expansion pack content:**
- Read `.therapy/library/personas/` directory
- If only warm-supportive.md and direct-challenging.md exist → show core options only
- If additional personas exist (coach.md, grounded-real.md, warm-4o.md) → show all available
3. **Show available personas:**
**Core options (always available):**
> Which communication style would you like?
>
> 1. **Warm & Supportive** - Validation first, gentle challenges
> 2. **Direct & Challenging** - Will push back, Socratic questioning
**If expansion pack detected, add:**
> 3. **Coach** - Action-oriented, goal-focused
> 4. **Grounded & Real** - Down-to-earth, honest, uses humor
> 5. **Warm 4o-Style** - Like a good friend who asks insightful questions
3. **Read the new persona file** from `.therapy/library/personas/`
**If no expansion pack:**
> *Want more styles? Get the [Expansion Pack](https://gumroad.com/l/ai-therapy-kit-extras)*
4. **Copy to their `.therapy/persona.md`** (overwrites existing)
4. **Read the new persona file** from `.therapy/library/personas/`
5. **Update `.therapy/version.json`** with new persona version
5. **Copy to their `.therapy/persona.md`** (overwrites existing)
6. **Confirm:**
6. **Update `.therapy/version.json`** with new persona version
7. **Confirm:**
> Done! Your therapist now uses the {new_style} communication style.
>
> This takes effect at your next session.
@@ -335,20 +422,36 @@ When user says "add modality" or "remove modality":
1. **Ask for their therapist folder location** (if not known)
2. **Read their `.therapy/modalities/`** to see what's installed
2. **Check for expansion pack content:**
- Read `.therapy/library/modalities/` directory
- Core: cbt.md
- Expansion: act.md, dbt-skills.md, lifespan-integration.md, psychodynamic.md, somatic-experiencing.md
3. **Show options:**
> Currently installed: CBT, ACT, DBT
3. **Read their `.therapy/modalities/`** to see what's installed
4. **Show options based on what's in their library:**
**Core (always available):**
> Currently installed: {list of installed modalities}
>
> Available to add: Lifespan Integration, Somatic Experiencing, Psychodynamic
>
> What would you like to do?
> Available to add:
> - **CBT** - Thoughts affect feelings and actions
4. **To add:** Copy the modality file from `.therapy/library/modalities/` to their `.therapy/modalities/`
**If expansion pack detected, add available options:**
> - **ACT** - Values-based, mindful acceptance
> - **DBT Skills** - Emotional regulation, distress tolerance
> - **Lifespan Integration** - Body-based trauma integration
> - **Somatic Experiencing** - Nervous system regulation
> - **Psychodynamic** - Explores unconscious patterns
5. **To remove:** Delete the file from their `.therapy/modalities/`
**If no expansion pack:**
> *Want more approaches? Get the [Expansion Pack](https://gumroad.com/l/ai-therapy-kit-extras)*
6. **Update `.therapy/version.json`**
5. **To add:** Copy the modality file from `.therapy/library/modalities/` to their `.therapy/modalities/`
6. **To remove:** Delete the file from their `.therapy/modalities/`
7. **Update `.therapy/version.json`**
---
@@ -376,6 +479,38 @@ When user says "change session structure":
---
## Install Expansion Pack Flow
When user says "install expansion pack" or "add expansion pack":
1. **Ask for the expansion pack folder path:**
> Where is your expansion pack folder? (e.g., ~/Downloads/ai-therapy-kit-extras)
2. **Verify the folder contains expected content:**
- Check for `personas/` subfolder with: coach.md, grounded-real.md, warm-4o.md
- Check for `modalities/` subfolder with: act.md, dbt-skills.md, lifespan-integration.md, psychodynamic.md, somatic-experiencing.md
- If missing files, warn user and confirm they want to proceed with partial install
3. **Ask for their therapist folder location** (if not known)
4. **Copy expansion pack content to their library:**
- Copy personas to `.therapy/library/personas/`
- Copy modalities to `.therapy/library/modalities/`
5. **Update `.therapy/version.json`:**
- Add `"expansion_pack": "1.0.0"` to components
- Add `"expansion_installed": "YYYY-MM-DD"`
6. **Confirm installation:**
> Expansion pack installed! You now have access to:
>
> **Styles:** Coach, Grounded & Real, Warm 4o-Style
> **Approaches:** ACT, DBT Skills, Lifespan Integration, Somatic Experiencing, Psychodynamic
>
> Use "switch persona" or "add modality" to try them out.
---
## Migration Flow
When user says "migrate my existing therapist":
@@ -390,7 +525,7 @@ For users with old monolithic CLAUDE.md (pre-1.0.0):
2. **Create `.therapy/` folder** with appropriate components
3. **Create `.therapy/library/`** and copy ALL component files for future customization
3. **Create `.therapy/library/`** and copy core component files for future customization
4. **Create `version.json`**
@@ -404,6 +539,8 @@ For users with old monolithic CLAUDE.md (pre-1.0.0):
### File Locations in This Repo
**Core (included):**
| Content | Source File |
|---------|-------------|
| Base CLAUDE.md | `CLAUDE.template.md` |
@@ -411,17 +548,23 @@ For users with old monolithic CLAUDE.md (pre-1.0.0):
| Profile Template | `profile.template.md` |
| Warm & Supportive | `personas/warm-supportive.md` |
| Direct & Challenging | `personas/direct-challenging.md` |
| CBT | `modalities/cbt.md` |
| Structured Sessions | `structures/structured.md` |
| Moderate Sessions | `structures/moderate.md` |
| Freeform Sessions | `structures/freeform.md` |
**Expansion Pack (separate download):**
| Content | Source File |
|---------|-------------|
| Coach | `personas/coach.md` |
| Grounded & Real | `personas/grounded-real.md` |
| CBT | `modalities/cbt.md` |
| Warm 4o-Style | `personas/warm-4o.md` |
| ACT | `modalities/act.md` |
| DBT Skills | `modalities/dbt-skills.md` |
| Lifespan Integration | `modalities/lifespan-integration.md` |
| Somatic Experiencing | `modalities/somatic-experiencing.md` |
| Psychodynamic | `modalities/psychodynamic.md` |
| Structured Sessions | `structures/structured.md` |
| Moderate Sessions | `structures/moderate.md` |
| Freeform Sessions | `structures/freeform.md` |
### Version Header Format
+29 -26
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@@ -56,13 +56,14 @@ Core identity: You are {{THERAPIST_NAME}}, providing therapeutic support with th
## Switching Between Modalities
**Read the moment:**
**Read the moment and match to installed modalities** (check `.therapy/modalities/`):
- Cognitive spinning, negative self-talk → CBT
- Avoidance, "I know but I can't" → ACT
- Overwhelm, crisis, intense emotion → DBT skills
- Stuck trauma, body symptoms, dissociation → Somatic/LI-informed
- Need for action and accountability → Coach-style
- Recurring patterns, "why do I keep doing this?" → Psychodynamic
- Avoidance, "I know but I can't" → ACT (if installed)
- Overwhelm, crisis, intense emotion → DBT skills (if installed)
- Stuck trauma, body symptoms, dissociation → Somatic/LI-informed (if installed)
- Recurring patterns, "why do I keep doing this?" → Psychodynamic (if installed)
**Only reference modalities the client actually has installed.** If you'd reach for a modality they don't have, stay with available approaches rather than mentioning missing ones.
**How to switch:**
- Usually switch seamlessly without announcing it
@@ -191,19 +192,14 @@ Recognize conversational requests, not just exact command phrases:
**For persona changes** (triggers persona selection):
- "switch persona", "change communication style"
- "I want you to be more direct" → Direct & Challenging
- "Can you push back on me more?" → Direct & Challenging
- "I want you to be more direct", "push back on me more" → Direct & Challenging
- "Be gentler with me", "be warmer" → Warm & Supportive
- "I need more accountability" → Coach
- "Let's try a different approach"
- Other style requests → show available personas from `.therapy/library/personas/`
**For modality changes** (triggers modality selection):
- "add modality", "remove modality"
- "Can we try somatic work?" → Somatic Experiencing
- "I want to explore why I keep doing this" → Psychodynamic
- "Help me with my thoughts", "challenge my thinking" → CBT
- "I need skills for when I'm overwhelmed" → DBT Skills
- "Help me with acceptance", "values-based" → ACT
- Requests for specific approaches → check `.therapy/library/modalities/` for availability
- If requested modality isn't installed, mention the Expansion Pack
**For structure changes** (triggers structure selection):
- "change session structure"
@@ -213,18 +209,25 @@ Recognize conversational requests, not just exact command phrases:
### When persona change is triggered
1. Show available personas:
> I can adjust how I communicate. Which style fits better?
>
1. Read `.therapy/library/personas/` to see what's available
2. Show available personas:
**Core (always available):**
> 1. **Warm & Supportive** - Validation first, gentle challenges
> 2. **Warm 4o-Style** - Like a good friend who asks weirdly insightful questions
> 3. **Direct & Challenging** - Push back, Socratic questioning
> 4. **Coach** - Action-oriented, goal-focused
> 5. **Grounded & Real** - Down-to-earth, honest, uses humor
2. Read the selected persona from `.therapy/library/personas/{selection}.md`
3. Write it to `.therapy/persona.md`
4. Update `.therapy/version.json` with new persona
5. Confirm: "Done! I'll use this style starting now."
> 2. **Direct & Challenging** - Will push back, Socratic questioning
**If expansion pack personas exist in library, also show:**
> 3. **Coach** - Action-oriented, goal-focused
> 4. **Grounded & Real** - Down-to-earth, honest, uses humor
> 5. **Warm 4o-Style** - Like a good friend who asks insightful questions
**If no expansion pack:**
> *Want more styles? Ask about the Expansion Pack.*
3. Read the selected persona from `.therapy/library/personas/{selection}.md`
4. Write it to `.therapy/persona.md`
5. Update `.therapy/version.json` with new persona
6. Confirm: "Done! I'll use this style starting now."
### When modality change is triggered
+5 -6
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@@ -58,8 +58,8 @@ claude
Claude will guide you through setup by asking a few questions:
1. **Therapist name** — What to call your AI therapist (e.g., Sage, Willow, Quinn)
2. **Communication style** — Warm & supportive, warm 4o-style, direct & challenging, coach, or grounded & real
3. **Therapeutic approaches**Which methods to use (CBT, ACT, DBT, etc.)
2. **Communication style** — Warm & supportive or direct & challenging (more available with Expansion Pack)
3. **Therapeutic approaches**CBT by default (Expansion Pack adds ACT, DBT Skills, and more)
4. **Storage location** — Where to save your session files
5. **Import history** (optional) — Bring in notes from ChatGPT or other tools
@@ -189,10 +189,9 @@ Say: **"switch persona"**
Choose from:
- Warm & Supportive
- Warm 4o-Style
- Direct & Challenging
- Coach
- Grounded & Real
With the [Expansion Pack](#expansion-pack): Coach, Grounded & Real, Warm 4o-Style
This changes how your therapist communicates without affecting their memory of you.
@@ -200,7 +199,7 @@ This changes how your therapist communicates without affecting their memory of y
Say: **"add modality"** or **"remove modality"**
You can add approaches like Somatic Experiencing or Psychodynamic, or remove ones you're not using.
Core includes CBT. With the [Expansion Pack](#expansion-pack), you can add ACT, DBT Skills, Somatic Experiencing, Lifespan Integration, and Psychodynamic.
### Change Session Structure