Permissive Thinking – Self-Monitoring Record
The Permissive Thinking – Self-Monitoring Record is a structured tool designed to collect information about how clients experience permissive thinking.
Permissive Thinking – Self-Monitoring Record
Permissive thinking is a style of thinking where you give yourself permission to do things that might be damaging or unhelpful. For instance, you might:
- Downplay how destructive a behavior is (e.g., “drinking this much isn’t so bad”).
- Tell yourself that you deserve something (e.g., “I’ve had a hard week so I’m allowed to use drugs to relax”).
- Promise yourself that this is the last time (e.g., “one more binge and then I’ll stop”).
Keeping a thought record can help you become more aware of your permissive thinking. The Permissive Thinking – Self-Monitoring Record helps you notice and better understand your permissive thoughts. This is the first step in learning to re-evaluate them and overcome unhelpful biases in your thinking.
Complete this record whenever you experience permissive thoughts or as your therapist has instructed.
Overview
Developing self-monitoring skills teaches clients to systematically observe and record specific targets such as their own thoughts, body feelings, emotions, and behaviors. Though it’s usually introduced early in the therapy process, it can continue to provide an inexpensive and constant measure of problem symptoms and behaviors throughout treatment. The Permissive Thinking – Self-Monitoring Record is designed to help clients capture information about their permissive thoughts or ‘justificational thinking’.
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.