Self-Monitoring as a Counseling Technique and an Accountability Strategy

Self-monitoring was studied as an individual and small group counseling technique and a source of accountability data. Five school counselors/interns engaged in self-monitoring with 22 clients. It was perceived as a successful counseling technique 82% of the time. The findings indicated that self- monitoring was enhanced by counselor competence, client buy-in, and counselor and client motivation to persevere. Data were produced that demonstrated whether students’ goals were being met and provided accountability evidence for local stakeholders.