Goal Setting in Therapy

Goals and goal setting are a very important part of the therapeutic process. On the therapist’s side, having therapeutic goals provides a structure for treatment and allows us to remain on track for what brings you to therapy. On the client’s side, goals ensure that you and your therapist are aligned on what the focus of therapy is. On the insurance companies side, progress towards goals is what makes treatment covered by insurance.

Preliminary Goal Setting

So how are goals set? Ideally, goals are discussed at the very beginning of therapy, via what therapists call a “presenting problem”: i.e., what brings you to therapy. Expressing this at the very start, even beyond what your mental health history, will ensure that your therapist is equipped and trained to support you in the way that you are hoping for. Your goals are always welcome to change at any time, but it’s important to set up a solid foundation.

Effective Goal Setting

The best goals are often set up in SMART goal format.

S - Specific.

Does your goal outline exactly what you are hoping to achieve? Many people report wanting to “be less sad/anxious/etc”, but it can be helpful to know exactly what that means to you, like if you would like to have more energy or be able to manage more social interactions.

M - Measurable.

Can we measure how close you’ve come to attaining your goal, or is it too general? It’s important to make progress towards goals, not just look at it as an all-or-nothing endeavor.

A - Attainable.

Sometimes we shoot a little unrealistically with our goals. For example, it might be unrealistic to “never be anxious again”, because what if you ran into a bear? It would be ridiculous for you to not be anxious!

R - Relevant.

Sometimes it can be difficult to determine what therapy is helpful vs. not helpful for, so naming those boundaries can ensure you get the best out of your session. For example, therapy can be helpful in helping reduce impulsivity around financial spending, but another person could benefit from formally working with a financial planner.

T - Time-Based.

Therapists are usually happy to continue working with you provided working together is helpful and effective, but if no progress has been made after a few months, it might be good to reassess and do something different.

Not SMART Goals	SMART Goals
Spend less money.	Spend less than $100 a week on non-budgeted items within three months.
Reduce OCD.	Resist engagement in compulsive behavior 80% of the time over the next month.
Work out more.	Engage in five minutes of exercise a day 5/7 days of the week.

If Compassionate Healing can be of assistance in helping you meet your goals, please feel free to contact us.

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