Goal-Setting for Effective Therapy

If you let friends and family know that you’re seeing a mental health therapist, they will invariably ask, “Is it working?” Using therapy to address anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health issues is incredibly complex, and defining success in therapy can be difficult. While therapy can be incredibly beneficial, reaching your desired outcome requires more than just showing up for a weekly session. You need to be intentional about setting goals that will help you achieve what you want from therapy. In this blog post, we'll explain why goal-setting is essential for therapy success and give you a step-by-step guide on how to set effective goals for therapy.

Why setting goals is crucial for therapy

The first thing you need to know is that setting clear, specific goals is essential for making progress in therapy. Without goals, therapy can become an aimless conversation with no real aim. Setting goals help you clarify what you want to achieve, so you and your therapist can work intentionally towards that outcome. Goals keep you accountable for the progress you make and give you a roadmap for how to get there. You'll also feel empowered when you see yourself inching closer to your goals with each therapy session.

Step-by-step guide to setting effective goals for therapy

Start with the end in mind

Imagine yourself six months or a year from now, after completing therapy. How do you want to feel? What do you want to achieve? What problems do you want to overcome? Write these things down and use them as a guide for setting your therapy goals.

Break it down into specific goals

Once you have an idea of your desired outcome, break it down into specific, achievable goals. These could be short-term or long-term goals, depending on your desired outcome. The key is to make them as specific as possible so that you know exactly what success looks like.

Make your goals measurable

How will you know when you've achieved your goals? Make your goals measurable by defining them in terms of concrete, observable results. For example, "I want to reduce my social anxiety so that I can attend a party without feeling overwhelmed." Measuring progress becomes more comfortable when you can point to specific behaviors or outcomes.

Make them relevant to you

Your therapy goals should be relevant to your life, personality, and values. Don't set goals simply because you think they're what you're supposed to do. Instead, set goals that resonate with you and that will bring you closer to living a life that aligns with your values and vision.

Review and update your goals regularly

Goals can change over time as you gain clarity on what's important to you or as you experience successes and setbacks. Regularly reviewing and updating your goals ensures you stay on track and remain aligned with your desired outcome.

Setting goals for therapy may seem like another task on your to-do list, but it's a crucial step in ensuring your therapy sessions are effective and life-changing. Incorporate these steps in your goal-setting process, and you'll see the difference it can make. Remember, your therapy goals should be specific, measurable, relevant, and updated regularly. Always keep the end in mind, so you know exactly what you're working towards, and be open and honest with your therapist about your progress. With these skills, you're well on your way to achieving the life-changing outcomes you want from therapy.

If you’re ready to set some mental health goals together with your therapist, click the button below to schedule a free 20-minute consultation.