Self-Criticism – Self-Monitoring Record

The Self-Criticism – Self-Monitoring Record (Archived) is a structured tool designed to collect information about how clients experience self-criticism.

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Full resource pack (PDF)

Everything you could need: a PDF of the resource, therapist instructions, and description with theoretical context and references. Where appropriate, case examples and annotations are also included.

Worksheet only (PDF)

A copy of the worksheet in PDF format.

Fillable version (PDF)

A fillable version of the resource. This can be edited and saved in Adobe Acrobat, or other PDF editing software.

Editable version (PPT)

An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.

Editable version (DOC)

An editable Microsoft Word version of the resource.

Overview

Self-monitoring of thoughts, feelings, and symptoms is an essential skill in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This Self-Criticism Self-Monitoring Record is an excellent introduction to the process of identifying self-critical thoughts and the emotions and behaviors triggered by them.

Key Benefits

Structured

Provides a clear, organized format for capturing clients' experiences.

Insightful

Promotes awareness of the factors contributing to self-criticism.

Engaging

Encourages active participation in therapy.

Flexible

Can be used to support assessment, intervention, and symptom monitoring.

Who is this for?

Depression

Self-critical thoughts that contribute to low mood.

Low Self-Esteem

Harsh self-judgments that undermine self-worth.

Perfectionism

Self-critical thoughts about performance.

Eating Disorders

Self-criticisms related to eating, shape, or weight.

Other Difficulties

Other difficulties where self-criticism is a feature, such as social anxiety and stress.

Integrating it into your practice

Introduce

Explain the benefits and rationale for self-monitoring.

Identify

Agree targets for self-monitoring.

Practice

Provide instructions for completing the record and rehearse with the client.

Review

Review the client's completed self-monitoring record.

Adjust

Modify self-monitoring based on progress, shifting focus as needed.

Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance

Self-monitoring is a technique where clients systematically observe and record their thoughts, feelings, emotions, and behaviors to enhance awareness and gain insight into their challenges. It is commonly used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and involves two main components: discrimination (recognizing target phenomena) and recording (documenting occurrences).

Self-monitoring can be faciliating using various tools such as diaries, logs, and records, aimed at helping clients engage in their treatment by fostering self-control and autonomy. Data collected can inform case formulation and intervention planning, as it assists in identifying prevalent problems, unhelpful thinking patterns, triggers, and coping behaviors. Typically, self-monitoring is introduced early in therapy, particularly for covert phenomena like rumination or self-criticism. Clients may begin with simple tasks and advance to more detailed records exploring the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Psychology Tools self-monitoring records have been carefully designed to focus on particular targets. Typically, each form has a standard version that collects essential data about the target behavior, as well as an extended version that gathers additional information on the consequences of client behaviors. This extra data can help form hypotheses about reinforcing factors.

The Self-Criticism – Self-Monitoring Record (Archived) is designed to help clients capture information about situations where they engaged in self-critical thinking. It includes columns to record information about: situational context; self-critical thoughts and images; emotional and physiological reactions; and coping responses. An additional ‘extended’ version of the form includes a column for recording the consequences of these coping responses, which may help therapists to generate hypotheses about how the client’s existing coping strategies contribute to the maintenance of their self-criticism.

What's inside

An introduction to self-monitoring.
Detailed therapist guidance for introducing self-monitoring.
References and further reading for learning more about self-monitoring.

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FAQs

Self-monitoring involves systematically observing and recording specific targets that are related to the client's difficulties.

It supports client engagement, informs case conceptualization and treatment planning, and provides an ongoing measure of clients’ difficulties.

Begin with a simple focus and encourage the client to record key data immediately after relevant experiences to ensure it is as accurate as possible.

How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes

Integrating self-monitoring records into therapy supports:

Enhanced understanding and management of self-criticism.
Data-driven insights for more effective treatment planning and intervention.
Increased client engagement and insight into their difficulties.

References And Further Reading

Beck, A.T., Rush, A.J., Shaw, B.F., & Emery, G. (1979). Cognitive therapy of depression. New York: Guilford.
Fennell, M. (2016). Overcoming low self-esteem: A self-help guide using cognitive behavioural techniques. Hachette UK.

Unified Protocol For Transdiagnostic Treatment Of Emotional Disorders In Adolescents