Why you need a goal

During the early stages of therapy, my clients are asked what their goal/s for at the end of therapy. For example, someone with low self-esteem will have a goal of being more assertive. A person with health anxiety could have a goal of not having as many catastrophic thoughts about their health. 

Goal setting is essential early in therapy as the treatment plan is tailored to working towards that goal. 

I use the SMART technique when helping a client define their goal:

S- Is the goal SPECIFIC?

M- Is progress MEASURABLE?

A- Is the goal ATTAINABLE?

R- Is it REALISTIC?

T- TIME frame for achieving goal.