This structured tool helps clients identify, track, and reflect on their communication styles across different situations.
Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Self-monitoring teaches clients to systematically observe and record specific targets, such as their thoughts, body feelings, emotions, and behaviors. This Communication Style – Self-Monitoring Record worksheet is designed to help clients capture information about how they communicate, including the use of assertive and non-assertive communication styles (such as passive, aggressive, and passive-aggressive communication). This information can be used to assess communication patterns, monitor changes during treatment, reinforce improvements, and enhance self-awareness during interactions.
Effective communication is central to psychological wellbeing and social functioning. Many clients are unaware of their communication style or the impact it has on others. This worksheet enhances awareness and promotes behavior change.
For clients who fear judgment and avoid speaking up.
For individuals who struggle with expressing concerns or saying no.
For clients who find it difficult to advocate for themselves.
For clients who tend to communicate in aggressive or hostile ways.
As part of DBT skills training for interpersonal effectiveness.
Helps clients confidently express their thoughts, feelings, and needs.
For clients struggling with patterns of avoidance, conflict, or submission.
For difficulties with boundaries, conflict, or assertiveness at work.
Provide information about different communication styles.
Ask clients to complete the record daily or after difficult interactions.
Use completed records in therapy to identify themes and communication patterns.
Reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and how clients felt after they communicated in particular ways.
Set goals and plan interventions to address problematic communication styles and support assertiveness.
Self-monitoring is a recommended component of assertiveness skills training (Rakos, 1991). Assertive communication is typically associated with better psychological outcomes, while passive or aggressive styles often maintain interpersonal conflict, emotional distress, and impaired functioning. Drawing from cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal frameworks, this worksheet helps clients become more aware of their communication style and its consequences.
The form categorizes communication into four styles:
The record encourages clients to observe their communication in context – who they spoke to, what happened, and how they felt – and then reflect on the positive and negative consequences of their responses.
Therapists can use the resource to support goal-setting, treatment planning, and assertiveness training.
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