From 145e6b1134bdacca0361bdde9e7ce820e2ba34fe Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Anthony Taglianetti <30904141+ataglianetti@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2026 20:46:28 -0800 Subject: [PATCH] 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 --- CLAUDE.md | 235 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++-------- CLAUDE.template.md | 55 +++++----- docs/GETTING-STARTED.md | 11 +- 3 files changed, 223 insertions(+), 78 deletions(-) diff --git a/CLAUDE.md b/CLAUDE.md index 6319cca..fb0a624 100644 --- a/CLAUDE.md +++ b/CLAUDE.md @@ -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 diff --git a/CLAUDE.template.md b/CLAUDE.template.md index 92e2ccb..fce392d 100644 --- a/CLAUDE.template.md +++ b/CLAUDE.template.md @@ -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 diff --git a/docs/GETTING-STARTED.md b/docs/GETTING-STARTED.md index 48d53cf..cb1d2c8 100644 --- a/docs/GETTING-STARTED.md +++ b/docs/GETTING-STARTED.md @@ -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