Negative Thoughts – Self-Monitoring Record
A structured tool for identifying and recording negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to build client awareness and support cognitive restructuring.
Negative Thoughts - Self-Monitoring Record
Everyone has negative thoughts when they feel sad, angry, or anxious. However, if your negative thoughts are frequent and intense, they can contribute to emotional difficulties like anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) suggests that the way we think and act influences how we feel. One way to learn more about your negative thoughts is to use a self-monitoring record. It’s like a diary that can help you become more aware of what triggers your negative thoughts, the form they take, and how you respond to them.
Complete this record whenever you notice a negative thought or experience a significant change in your mood (this is often a sign that you’ve had a negative thought), or as your therapist has instructed.
Overview
The Negative Thoughts – Self-Monitoring Record is a resource that facilitates the process of self-monitoring - an intervention where clients systematically observe and document their automatic thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and behaviors. This tool aims to enhance awareness, formulation, decentring, and intervention planning within cognitive-behavioral therapy and associated therapies.
Also available as:
PDF ToolUse this tool with your clients
Support therapeutic work between sessions.
Assign
Send the tool securely to your client.
Client completes
Your client works through it on any device, at their own pace.
Review
Review their responses before the next session.
Part of a complete library of evidence-based tools
Worksheets, guides, audio resources and interactive digital tools for mental health professionals.