The Worry – Self-Monitoring Record is designed to help clients capture information about situations where they engaged in worry. Consistent with contemporary treatment approaches, this self-monitoring record deliberately focuses on worry processes as well as worry content.
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.
An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.
An editable Microsoft Word version of the resource.
Self-monitoring is an effective technique for observing and recording specific targets like thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The Worry – Self-Monitoring Record allows clients to record key information about worrying including: triggers and situational context; a brief summary of the content and the duration of the worry; consequences of the worry; and categorization of the worry as ‘real’ or ‘hypothetical’.
Monitoring worry can be used as both an assessment tool and an intervention:
Helps identify broad or diffuse worries.
Documents health-related worries and their triggers.
Difficulties where worry is present, such as perfectionism and social anxiety.
Begin by identifying the specific target for self-monitoring, such as health-focused worries.
Teach clients to identify and pay attention to triggers and contexts for worrying.
Instruct clients to document their worries during or immediately after an episode.
Help clients classify worries as real or hypothetical.
Regularly review self-monitoring records to gather more data or monitor change.
Self-monitoring is an integral component of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and is used as both an assessment and intervention tool (Korotitsch & Nelson-Gray, 1999). It not only aids in the development of helpful skills such self-observation and decentring, but provides valuable data for case conceptualization and intervention planning.
