Self-Criticism Self-Monitoring Record (Archived)

NOTE: An improved version of this resource is available here: Self-Criticism Self-Monitoring Record. Older versions of a resource may be archived in the event that they are available in multiple languages, or where data indicates that the resource continues to be frequently used by clinicians. 

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.

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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.

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Introduction & Theoretical Background

Self-monitoring is a fundamental tool in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Self-monitoring can be used to:
  • Identify negative automatic thoughts (NATs)
  • Help clients understand the links between thoughts, emotions, body sensations, and responses
This Self-Criticism Self-Monitoring Record is designed to help clients to better understand their self-critical thoughts and responses.

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Therapist Guidance

Clients should be instructed to record specific instances in which self-critical thoughts, feelings, or responses were prompted. 

  1. In the first column (Situation) clients should be instructed to record what they were doing when they started to notice a significant change in how they were feeling. Training clients to record specific details (such as who they were with, where they were, and what had just happened) is often helpful when later elaborating a memory for an event, or simply in understanding the reasons for subsequent thoughts and responses
  2. In the second column (Self-critical thoughts) clients should be directed to record any automatic cognitions. They should be reminded that cognitions can take the form of verbal thoughts, but can also take the form of images, or memories. If a recorded cognition is an image (e.g. “I had a picture in my mind of people laughing at me”) clients should be directed to question what

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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.

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