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Psychological Science: Counseling Essay (Theory of Counseling)

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Introduction

Theory of counseling, counseling psychology, values in counseling.

Counselling generally refers to the provision of assistance or guidance that eventually helps solve personal, social or mental problems. A professional individual typically administers it. It usually takes a number of forms, including individual counselling, group counselling, and couples counselling. The goal of individual counselling is to help one make better decisions, improve one’s relationship with others, and generally help one understand oneself in order to be able to make healthy changes. However, group therapy helps an individual to comprehend their emotions and transform problem behaviours with the help of others (Seikkula, 2019). This essay about counseling can help reveal and understand the prospects for using various techniques in the process of helping clients.

Counselling may be beneficial in a number of ways. It can make one have a better understanding of things that help in getting new skills to manage themselves better. Through the help of the counsellor, individuals can respond to problems from different perspectives. Sharing thoughts can exceptionally be helpful in changing one’s life, and that is what counselling is all about. There are important aspects of counselling that make its usage effective. One of these aspects is confidentiality; this means that a counsellor is, by ethics, required to treat all the information that a client shares as confidential material (Avasthi et al., 2022). Another important aspect is the counselling process; this depends on the individual counsellor and client and the urgency of the issue in question. However, the general process to be followed includes collecting background information, identifying key issues, case development, setting goals for therapy, implementation of intervention and evaluation. An important research question of this essay is, “How will counseling help you get through with your problems?”

Theories of counselling vary and mainly depend on the views of different writers. The ones reviewed include client-centred, holistic health, learned optimism, cognitive behavioural, solution-focused and existential. In client-centred counselling, the client is motivated to discover things and develop as a result of the guidance and climate that the counsellor provides. In this type of counselling, the standard features include active listening, acceptance, truthfulness and empathy (Bayliss-Conway et al., 2021). Holistic health, on the other hand, stresses the importance of physical well and emotional, social, vocational and spiritual needs. If these are ignored, then individuals will easily succumb to stress, which can affect their well-being.

There is a type of counselling practice that allows for interaction between the client and the counsellor. This method makes it possible to discuss successful moments that have occurred in the past or in the present (Bayliss-Conway et al., 2021). This form of counselling is referred to as learned optimism counselling. This also allows them to address the problems that should be anticipated in the present and the future. It involves having a positive mind and usually directs an individual on how things can turn out.

Cognitive behavioural therapy, also referred to as the ABC method, can be described as any form of therapy that is based on the belief in one’s thoughts and that is typically directly connected to the way one feels. In this type of scenario, there usually is what is referred to as the activating event, where the client draws their interpretations. This makes it possible for clients to believe in the ideas conveyed by the consultant (Reid et al., 2021). This typically leads to different consequences concerning the outcome of the event. Thus, this form of therapy helps clients identify distorted thinking that causes emotional problems and helps solve them.

Solution-focused therapy typically focuses on the outcomes; this means that the primary goal is focused towards achieving what the client wants through the use of therapy rather than the cause that made them seek therapy. This kind of approach focuses on the present and future, and the client is customarily advised to focus on the future and how it has changed (De Shazer et al., 2021). The existential approach is simply based on the presence of individuals in a therapy session and the reason why they are there in the first place. This means that if a client knows the reason why he/she is in therapy, then it will enable them to face the challenges that come along swiftly.

Counselling and psychology are interrelated; the use of psychological principles to overcome different problems is facilitated through counselling. Therefore, counselling psychology is a specialty that brings together research and applied work to achieve broad areas. The counselling process, outcome, supervision, and training are critical components in establishing preventive recovery pathways (DeBlaere et al., 2019). Some unique features of counselling psychology include the focus on people, environment interaction and impact personalities. Psychologists get the answers to people’s behaviours through counselling.

Psychologists are generally interested in finding answers through the counselling process and outcomes, in which, through the process, they get to ask questions, and the outcome will determine whether the process was effective and successful. In this process, the psychologist uses specific techniques. One of the main and most common ones can be called client and cultural variables (DeBlaere et al., 2019). Therapist variables and mechanisms of change are also included.

Therapist variables include the traits of a counsellor, theoretical orientation and behaviour. Following clearly established models of therapeutic intervention can have significant positive effects on patients (DeBlaere et al., 2019). Client variables, on the other hand, include certain things, such as seeking support from other people and further attachment to them (DeBlaere et al., 2019). This has been very useful in counselling. Stigma from mental illness motivates people to accept the fact that they have problems and make them seek help. Self-stigma is a condition that affects the individual’s perspective towards counselling, and this causes such an individual to require intervention.

Attachment style can be viewed in different ways. Those clients with avoidant styles may believe that counselling is not able to have any positive effect on their condition (Moradi et al., 2023). However, securely attached ones react differently. They perceive counselling to be incredibly beneficial. These kinds of individuals seek such professional help. Anxious attachment is said to perceive much importance as well as risks to counselling; thus, providing education about expectations of counselling can change clients’ attitudes tremendously.

Counselling relationship, as referred to in counselling psychology, refers to the feeling that a client and a therapist have towards each other and the way in which they are expressed. This kind of relationship may fall into three categories: countertransference, working alliance and personal relationship (Moradi et al., 2023). The secure base hypothesis is a theory concerning the function of counselling and is typically related to attachment theory; this enables the client to have a reference point.

Counselling psychologists use different approaches. They incorporate things such as cultural variables in counselling practices. They relate such aspects with the processes and results arrived at during counselling. Recent studies show that black clients are at risk of racial discrimination from white counsellors. Counsellors must have experience working with a variety of people in order to effectively deal with their characteristics and personal problems (Moradi et al., 2023). Counselling outcomes typically look at different symptoms, such as specific disorders and behaviour changes. Positive outcomes like quality of life form a basis of life-satisfaction measure reports.

One of the various quantitative methods includes conducting correlation studies. This is applied in the counselling course and during clinical trials. They also apply during the actual process of counselling and the studies on the processes of counselling and the outcomes. On the other hand, qualitative methods involve conducting, translating, and coding therapy sessions. In practical terms, one sees that counselling can delve into aspects such as emotion, personality and interpersonal relationships (DeBlaere et al., 2019). It, thus, can relate to different kinds of settings in a population, like community mental health settings and in-patient clients on drug abuse. In a community mental health setting, there are different individuals who suffer from all sorts of mental breakdown illnesses.

Counselling helps in making them understand the core reason behind their mental breakdown and possibly helps them deal with the fears that relate to it; the end results depend typically on the attitude of patients and their response to therapy during these counselling sessions. Different settings, thus, have different counselling approaches and also depend on the technicality of the given situation. Client variables normally help a lot during some sessions as they represent a deeper understanding of the current situation (DeBlaere et al., 2019). An in-patient on drug abuse, for example, may not derive much benefit from counselling if he does not accept that he/she has a problem, the problem has had a significant effect on his/her life, and finally, the problem can be fixed.

It is important to note, therefore, that counselling can only work where a client is willing to participate; commonly, psychology can be used to gain this will. Counselling, in essence, is a profession that is highly dependent on the needs of clients and their personalities. The counsellor’s approach should be unique from session to session and depend on how the client responds to the therapist’s questions and actions (DeBlaere et al., 2019). On other occasions, counsellors influence decision-making in individuals. This way, they influence the kind of decisions the clients make. Some of their decisions may change their lives completely.

Values in counselling introduce us to the various theoretical perspectives of psychology that can be used in counselling. The question of this study is to find out how counselling will help you get through your problems. There are various theoretical perspectives in psychology that are commonly referred to as paradigms. They include behavioural, biological, cognitive, humanistic, social, Freudian, and developmental. Focusing on the developmental perspective, its information processing, and developmental approaches as a discipline brings us to the approaches that can be applied in counselling (DeBlaere et al., 2019). There are three basic approaches currently under debate. They include information processing, life span development, and developmental approaches.

The approach under investigation was based on the concept of irrational beliefs, concepts of feelings and behaviour. The counsellors may incorporate therapy in the session and combine it with behaviour. This way, the counsellor personalizes the therapy session. How an individual feels and reacts to such feelings is the first step in knowing that something is not correct, and that can further lead to reasoning and, thus, the decision that motivates them to seek counselling. With these considerations, counselling appears as a link between the individual’s way of thinking and his/her behaviour. Feelings of sadness or anxiety can significantly predetermine a person’s behaviour in public life and their reactions to any aspects of society (Chita-Tegmark & Scheutz, 2021). Behaviour is usually motivated to result in a change in the human mind. When one’s response is based on false emotions, then negative and possibly harmful results will be achieved.

Negative behaviour may sometimes be the reason that individuals or groups in a therapy session realize the need for change. Proper guidance is one of the critical aspects that must be complemented by the ability to identify the client’s emotional state and behavioural patterns (Chita-Tegmark & Scheutz, 2021). This may lead towards finding out what the problem is with a particular individual or a group or may enable proper interpretation of events that led to therapy.

When a counsellor discovers the behaviour in an individual is no longer functioning, it may be a good indicator for assessing the things that the individual now believes in and thus, emotional health can be regained through removing the negative thoughts and distortions and trying to give them emotional and personality balance. Behavioural response as a perspective in counselling can provide a significant impact on the change process of an individual or a group. A behavioural perspective in interactions with clients during consultations can influence the achievement of trusting relationships between people (Seikkula, 2019). Usually, clients who decide to go for counselling have different problems they are aware of but need the help of a therapist to be able to identify the core reason as to why they cannot solve it.

Counselling can show that the initial stages of the client-counsellor relationship can be a bit difficult, but as the clients’ emotions and behaviour exhibit themselves, the counsellor will gain insight that will enable him/her to understand the client more and, thus, improve their relationship. Thus, it is crucial for the therapist to identify specific behavioural traits that are characteristic of the client and on which work can be concentrated (De Shazer et al., 2021). The positive ones help in improving the client’s self-esteem in the time when he/she seems to be having a mental breakdown that is related to the problem he/she is facing.

Exploring this perspective enhances the buildup of a therapy case before and in the course of counselling. The individual most often has no knowledge of the kind of issues that need to be addressed if he/she goes to counselling, but he/she knows that something is not right in the environment he lives in or that he/she has a problem that needs to be addressed. Distinguishing between the types of emotions experienced by the client is critical for the therapist in the initial stages as this will lay the foundation for further cooperation (Avasthi et al., 2022). In later stages of counselling and as the counsellor and the client relationship is built up, the counsellor may uncover the thought that leads to disruptive behaviour and feelings. It is the counsellor’s role in this perspective to identify and respond to them so as to restore an individual functional system.

Counselling is meant to consider the entire characteristic that an individual exhibits when he/she enters counselling; a counsellor, through knowledge of these traits like behaviour and feeling, will be challenged to uncover the client’s beliefs that are the cause of their actions. This can help create a more personalized process aimed at demonstrating people’s focus on their thoughts and ideas (Reid et al., 2021). The kind of behaviour that an individual exhibits during counselling sessions will either work positively for the client or not. If a client exhibits behaviour aimed at changing the painful experiences and helps him or them work on his/her feelings like anger, then this will be of great significance in making this individual a healthy and positive person.

In essence, counselling will make the individual understand and appreciate the reward that he/she achieved because of counselling. There are different approaches employed in counselling psychology. They differ in terms of therapy and the basic concepts. One of them is the behavioural perspective. This is comparable to the rest but also differs in various aspects. A comparison between the behavioural and cognitive perspectives revealed a key difference in the approach to problem-solving through psychoanalytic theory and practice methods, respectively (DeBlaere et al., 2019). The Freudian perspective works towards changing an individual’s personality and character through using childhood experiences. Cognitive and behavioural perspectives usually produce a change in a group or individual in a short period.

Theoretical perspectives differ in scope and applicability. Some can be used to solve crime cases as well as real-life dilemmas. There are various theories and approaches that can be combined with the perspectives discussed to help consultants gain a broader perspective and understanding of clients’ understandings (DeBlaere et al., 2019). In this way, a conducive and harmonious counselling environment can be created that will enhance the process to achieve results faster. It will also allow the client to recognize the impact that counselling has had on their life.

A compiled essay about counselling has shown it is quite a broad and diverse subject; it shares most subject matters, especially concerning psychology as a discipline in terms of emotion, behavior, personality, attention and perception. It usually provides an opportunity for individuals to express themselves where no one seems to agree with what they have to say; this is the basis and direction in which most individuals’ dysfunctional problems are solved today. Counselling has had tremendous results over the past in solving cases, and, as an expert, counselling psychology is one of the most effective tools in handling mental breakdown; the results of its usage in the modern world have become very effective over the years.

The counselling essay format provided a comprehensive review of the main aspects of this process and the key elements necessary for success. The study of counselling and, in broad terms, psychology have also been criticized by different philosophers of science; some say it is a soft science lacking the fundamental concepts and effectiveness like mature sciences such as physics and chemistry. Some say that it is not objective. They argue that the phenomena used by psychologists, like personality and emotion, cannot be measured directly and that they are often subjective in nature. The critical thing to note is that its usage in real-life situations has proven to be very successful.

Avasthi, A., Grover, S., & Nischal, A. (2022). Ethical and legal issues in psychotherapy. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 64 (Suppl 1), 1-27. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9122134/

Bayliss-Conway, C., Price, S., Murphy, D., & Joseph, S. (2021). Client-centred therapeutic relationship conditions and authenticity: a prospective study. B ritish Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 49 (5), 637-647. https://doi.org/10.1080/03069885.2020.1755952

Chita-Tegmark, M., & Scheutz, M. (2021). Assistive robots for the social management of health: a framework for robot design and human–robot interaction research. International Journal of Social Robotics, 13 (2), 197-217. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12369-020-00634-z

De Shazer, S., Dolan, Y., Korman, H., Trepper, T., McCollum, E., & Berg, I. K. (2021). More than miracles: The state of the art of solution-focused brief therapy . Routledge.

DeBlaere, C., Singh, A. A., Wilcox, M. M., Cokley, K. O., Delgado-Romero, E. A., Scalise, D. A., & Shawahin, L. (2019). Social justice in counseling psychology: Then, now, and looking forward. The Counseling Psychologist, 47 (6), 938-962. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000019893283

Moradi, B., Brewster, M. E., Grzanka, P. R., & Miller, M. J. (2023). The hidden curriculum of academic writing: Toward demystifying manuscript preparation in counseling psychology. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 70 (2), 119-132. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/cou0000650

Reid, J. E., Laws, K. R., Drummond, L., Vismara, M., Grancini, B., Mpavaenda, D., & Fineberg, N. A. (2021). Cognitive behavioural therapy with exposure and response prevention in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 106 , 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2021.152223

Seikkula, J. (2019). Psychosis is not illness but a survival strategy in severe stress: a proposal for an addition to a phenomenological point of view. Psychopathology, 52 (2), 143-150. https://doi.org/10.1159/000500162

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The Importance of Counseling

View all blog posts under Articles | View all blog posts under Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Counseling provided by trained professionals can make a profound impact on the lives of individuals, families and communities. This service helps people navigate difficult life situations, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, natural disasters, school stress and the loss of a job. It provides the tools and insights to manage mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Ultimately, counseling empowers people to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

A Brief History of Counseling

Counseling has been important seemingly since the dawn of society. From parents and grandparents advising other family members to community leaders providing guidance to residents, counseling seems to have always been a natural part of the human experience.

As people became more mobile during the Industrial Revolution and began migrating to cities, they became separated from traditional counselors in their families and communities. A lack of knowledge on how to address mental illness resulted in the isolation of many people in psychiatric hospitals and asylums.

With the advent of modern psychiatry, both medical professionals and society at large began to embrace the idea of psychiatric health and counseling. With widespread recognition of the ineffectiveness of mental institutions, a mental hygiene movement — led by psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists and former hospital patients – began to sweep the country.

President John F. Kennedy endorsed the movement’s message — and the importance of counseling — when he signed the Community Mental Health Act in 1963. The law profoundly changed the way mental health services were to be delivered and led to the introduction of mental health centers across the country. At the same time, many psychiatric hospitals were closed in favor of enhanced community-based services.

Counseling as a Career

Mental health issues can severely curtail an individual’s ability to lead a fulfilling life. They can cloud relationships, family life and careers. Mental health conditions cut across economic, social and racial groups. Issues such as depression and anxiety can affect people of all ages, from children to the elderly.

An estimated 18.3 percent of adults in the United States suffer from mental illness. Approximately 21 percent of youths between the ages of 13 and 18 experience a mental disorder at some point during their lives.

Today, there is growing acceptance of the need for help for mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can afflict both returning veterans and the general population. According to the National Center for PTSD, about 8 percent of people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives.

Fueling the need for counselors are changes in the criminal justice system, which is moving away from jail time and toward counseling services. Schools and colleges are expanding their mental health services in response to issues of depression, anxiety, relationship problems, suicide and substance use among students.

There is also an urgent need for counseling for the elderly. About 20 percent of Americans 55 and older experience mental health issues triggered by the loss of a spouse, the loss of mobility and failing physical health.

Wake Forest University’s Online Master of Arts in Counseling

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, counseling jobs are expected to increase by 23 percent between 2016 and 2026. The median salary for counselors is $42,140.

Both the importance of counseling and the need for trained counselors have never been greater. For those who are passionate about helping others and contributing to the health and wellness of individuals, families and communities, now is the right time to pursue a degree in counseling.

Wake Forest University is dedicated to training highly skilled counselors who are committed to serving the needs of individuals and their communities. Our graduates strive to excel as community leaders, advocates and practitioners who model compassionate service to humanity and foster the well-being of society. The online Master of Arts in Counseling program prepares working professional students for rewarding careers in clinical mental health and school counseling. Learn from our experienced counselors, prepare for certification and licensure, and discover how to make a positive difference in the lives of those in need.

If you’re interested in making a difference others’ lives, you are concerned for others’ wellbeing and you value relationships, a career in counseling might be a good fit for you. Wake Forest University has developed an online Master of Arts in Counseling program that’s designed for students who want to work full time while they earn their master’s degree. The flexible online platform helps students balance their academic studies with their busy lives. The program’s academic rigor and its 98 percent student pass rate on the National Counselor exam has earned Wake Forest University’s master’s of counseling program a reputation for excellence.

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9 Goals of Counseling (Aims, Goals, and Objectives of Guidance and Counseling)

All the activities of guidance and counseling must be structured to reach a specific end. These are the goals of counseling.

From the initial counseling session with the client, the counselor must clearly establish the goals to be attained through the counseling relationship at the final session. 

Counseling goals are predicated on the needs of the individual client and are the basis for judging the success or failure of the counseling relationship, which will either lead to termination (if successful) or referral (if unsuccessful).

We see that the primary benefit of setting goals for counseling is to design the path that the counseling sessions will take and establish a basis to measure the success of the counseling relationship.

Related: What Is Guidance and Counseling? (Overview, Scope, and Types)

Goals of Counseling

Below are the major goals and objectives of guidance and counseling. These goals can be further tailored to specific needs of clients.

1. To foster the psychological development of clients

The primary concern of counseling is the psychological well-being and development of clients so counselors assist their clients with psychological disturbances and guide them toward peace and stability.

This includes enhancing their cognitive, emotional, intellectual, and social capabilities and functions because if any of these aspects of an individual’s psychology is facing some form of disturbance, it will affect their entire being and hinder them from living satisfying lives.

Someone suffering from anxiety will therefore benefit from counseling because it disturbs their psychological function. Cases like low self-esteem, phobias, depression, and loneliness are all examples of psychological disturbances.

2. To facilitate behavioral change in clients

Another goal of counseling is to assist clients in experiencing changes in their behavior which is their responses to stimuli from the environment.

Behavior change does not only mean stopping a bad habit. There are three levels to it: increasing an existing desired behavior, reducing an existing undesired behavior, and learning a new desired behavior . These behavior changes also cut across different areas of the clients’ lives. 

Many of the issues people face in their lives will be resolved if their behavior changes just a little. A husband and wife always having disagreements might only need simple adjustments in their actions and responses to each other, not divorce. 

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These changes are only possible when both parties are open to help and ready to change.

Related: What is Personal Guidance? (Meaning, Stages, and Objectives)  

3. To increase clients’ understanding of self and their environment

Counseling aims to help clients understand themselves and their environment or situation better. A lack of understanding can cause people frustration.

Understanding of self spans even basic experiences like a girl approaching adolescence and doesn’t know why pubic hairs are growing on her body.

The counselor must not only give accurate information but also give it in a systematic manner that will take the client from the level of understanding they have, progressively to the level of understanding needed for effective functioning.

So they must not only tell her that it is normal to see pubic hairs. They must also take the time to explain what other body changes to expect and what precautions she should begin to take based on these developments. The counselor becomes a sex and sexuality educator at this point.

4. To improve clients’ ability to establish and maintain relationships

Humans are social beings. The quality of our lives is largely influenced by our relationships. These relationships start from the family we were born into, friends and close neighbors, and colleagues. 

To enjoy relationships, we must develop social skills— the ability to communicate clearly, have fun, make friends, leave friends, respond appropriately to offenses, and balance all of that with healthy alone time.

This is why marital counseling is such a big deal. However, we must enjoy satisfying relationships outside marriage as well.

5. To enhance client effectiveness and ability to cope

Many coping mechanisms we learned while growing are no longer serving us today. For example, if you yelled until your desires are met as a child, you might lose your job for that.

So to continue living great lives and be effective in our daily activities, we must develop new coping skills.

This is one goal of counseling. Some life coping skills include the ability to maintain relationships, creating work-life balance, effective study habits, and the skills needed in careers.

Workplace counselors help workers manage workplace stress and develop effective time management skills to not to get overwhelmed e.g. in meeting deadlines.

6. To foster clients’ respect for the worth of self and others

Counseling also seeks get clients to a point where they appreciate, see worth in, and respect themselves and others. No matter the challenge a person is facing, the counselor must help them see that going through the challenge does not make them less worthy than other people.

A girl who was sexually abused by her dad might begin to feel she is bad and deserves such experiences. But she can work with a counselor to get those thoughts out.

Also, she must be helped not to begin to see men as evil.

Related: Non-directive Counseling (Definition, Techniques, and Importance) 

7. To enhance the decision-making process and skills of the clients

As much as counselors are guides, the goal of counseling is not to simply tell the client what to do. Instead, the counselor must truly guide the client and let them see the decision-making process so they can begin to make informed decisions themselves. 

If a client comes to a counselor with a divorce case, all the options and their consequences should be brought before the client and whichever is opted for, the client should fully know why.

This way, in case of a similar situation, the client can go through that decision-making process without the aid of a counselor. A counselor’s joy is seeing their clients thrive without them.

8. To facilitate the maximization of clients’ potential

The ability to make decisions is just one of several potential people have but need to be stirred.

Another goal of guidance and counseling is to get clients to a point where they begin to use their abilities, personalities, passion, emotions, intellect, and so on, in the best possible way to design and live a satisfying life.

A client who comes to a counselor with difficulty in speaking up in social situations has the inherent ability to speak, only that they don’t know how .

The counselor must then provide them with the needed enlightenment and assist them in honing their speaking skills, probably by guiding them towards overcoming the limitations that are suppressing that ability e.g. low self-esteem.

9. To assist clients to become self-actualized

In simple words, to be self-actualized means to get to a point where you are fully satisfied with who you are and all that you are doing with in life. If clients consistently continue to maximize their potential in every way, they are self-actualized.

Self-actualization does not necessarily come through hitting success like writing a bestseller. The process of researching, writing, planning, publishing, and marketing the book, if that is what the individual wants for their lives, can give a sense of self-actualization.

The counselor should guide the client, adjustment after adjustment, until they can say, “this is more like the life I want to live.”

Related: Counseling Interview (Definition, Types & Stages)

Aims, Goals, and Objectives in Guidance and Counseling

What we have listed so far are the broader goals of counseling. Each of them can be further broken down into specific objectives as we have seen in various examples.

Therefore, although these are the goals of counseling in general, the counselor must define a smaller goal for each client that should be achieved through their sessions.

In goal setting, three terms are used in differentiating ends based on their broadness; they are aims, goals, and objectives.

Aims are very broad and vague and cannot be measured. Eg to help the clients feel better or become better. Several things can be defined as feeling better and becoming better. It is too vague to base your guidance and counseling activities on.

Goals are more specific than aims just like the nine goals of counseling we have examined. Eg to give the client a deeper understanding of the situation. Although this is more specific, if this is all you work with as a counselor there will still be uncertainty because knowing that “your wife is not the problem— you are” is a better understanding for a husband but is not a solution. 

Then lastly, we have the objectives of counseling. Counseling objectives are very streamlined so that you know the exact result you want to see and they can be measured. Counseling objectives are the “goals” counselors should set during the initial session with the client.

To define counseling objectives, goals should be made SMART.

SMART goals in counseling

Setting SMART goals in counseling involves breaking down the broader goals of counseling into specific , measurable , achievable , reasonable , and time-bound objectives.

Specificity is the ability to pinpoint what exactly needs to be changed. Measurable means there are exact markers to tell when the counseling objective has been achieved. 

Achievable means the specific improvement or change desired must be something that can truly happen. Reasonable means there should be a logical reason why the goal should be achieved. Time-bound means they must have a deadline for completion.

Examples of SMART Counseling Goals

The table below shows some examples of SMART goals compared to not-SMART goals both trying to address the same issue. Each row examines the different parameters of SMARTness.

* The last row incorporates all the 5 parameters of SMART goals .

We have so far seen the nine goals of counseling and why counselors need to set goals at the initial counseling session. We have also examined the differences between counseling aims, goals, and objectives, and how to set SMART counseling goals.

If this roadmap of goal setting in counseling is followed, counseling will not just benefit individual clients; it will become a tool for national development.

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Related posts, 15 goals and importance of group counseling/therapy, leadership of group therapy: roles, types & skills of leaders of counseling groups , 22 principles and professional ethics of guidance and counseling, 9 challenges and problems involved in group counseling and solutions, 9 steps to organize school guidance and counselling program, 8 characteristics of group counseling/therapy and counseling groups.

Goal Setting in Counseling and Therapy (Incl. Examples)

Goal setting is even more important for those in counseling and therapy. Not knowing how to properly set up goals can often lead to failure.

There are many great techniques when it comes to setting goals, and this article will review many of those.

Setting goals can not only impact mental health, but it can also help you overcome depression and help you with rehabilitation.

Goal setting acts as a roadmap for you to follow when it comes to overcoming challenges and achieving things in life.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Goal Achievement Exercises for free . These detailed, science-based exercises will help you or your clients create actionable goals and master techniques to create lasting behavior change.

This Article Contains:

What is goal setting in counseling, how goal setting works in therapy, how goal setting can impact mental health, some practical advice for practitioners, applications in occupational therapy, neuro-linguistic programming (goal setting and nlp), setting goals with social work clients, does goal setting help with depression, a look at goal setting in rehabilitation, 4 goal setting counseling activities, using a goal setting workbook, 4 goal setting workbooks for counseling, 6 goal setting worksheet templates, a take-home message.

As a counselor, it is your job to set expectations with your clients. There are many different perceptions of what a counselor can do and what someone can expect from the counseling experience.

Counseling theorists don’t always agree on what is an appropriate counseling goal, however, there are some common threads when it comes to standard goals you should be including as part of your practice.

The five most common goals of counseling include:

• Facilitating behavioral change.
• Helping improve the client’s ability to both establish and maintain relationships.
• Helping enhance the client’s effectiveness and their ability to cope.
• Helping promote the decision-making process while facilitating client potential.
• Development.

These goals are guidelines when it comes to helping your clients make positive changes. A big part of the counseling process involves enhancing your client’s ability to cope.

Learned coping skills and patterns are developed throughout our lives, but they may not always work.

Goals are important for everyone, whether they are in therapy or not. Goals help you navigate through life whether they are personal goals , professional goals, a goal to replace a bad habit or simply a goal for achieving success.

Research shows that therapy is much more useful when it involves having a set plan for what you hope to achieve or accomplish. Setting goals can also give the therapist a better grasp of client growth as they proceed with therapy.

According to the Grief Recovery Center , studies show that those who set useful goals during their therapy sessions typically experience less stress and anxiety overall as a result of being able to concentrate better. They often feel happier as well.

Before starting any kind of counseling or treatment plan, it’s also important to set the stage by asking your clients:

• What they want to get out of the counseling or therapeutic process.
• What they believe is inhibiting them from achieving this.
• What their expectations are.
• What their motivations are for making said changes.

Much of this can be done via the interview process where goals can be discussed and prioritized in terms of the desired time frames. Goals are meant to both motivate and challenge the client so it’s critically important that your client be transparent and forthright with what they hope to achieve.

A few things to look out for when creating and setting goals with your client are setting goals unrealistically low, overcoming the fear of failure or continually comparing goals to the goals of others. Helping your clients move out of their comfort zones is an important part of the therapeutic process. As a counselor, your job is to help your clients stretch and grow and move beyond resistance

Setting goals can obviously be very helpful in multiple areas of life. Goals can help you face emotional and behavioral difficulties, reconnect with old friends, help you look for a new job or simply help you save for a vacation.

According to Justin Arocho, Ph.D., there is a general formula that can be followed when it comes to goal setting. The goal setting approach below is used in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) but it can also be viewed as a standard approach or starting point.

Standard Goal Setting Approach:

• Identify your goal.
• Choose a starting point.
• Identify the steps required to achieve the goal.
• Take that first step and get started.

The first step may sound simple, but it is often challenging. Helping your clients fine-tune and get crystal clear on their goals may be harder than you think. Start by asking them what their overall goal really is.

Identifying a starting point is next. Helping your clients face and understand exactly where they are in terms of this goal is a good place to start. It’s important that they are honest with themselves as well, by examining where things currently stand.

Breaking goals down into small steps is a smart choice for those facing big goals. Breaking goals down into manageable chunks or steps is critical because it helps keep the client from getting overwhelmed.

Remember to keep the steps small and to put them in some kind of logical order. As you discuss this you can also talk about possible obstacles that may arise.

While no one can predict every obstacle that may come about, it will be helpful to discuss strategies for overcoming them.

Taking that first small step is a big achievement for anyone. As a counselor, it is your job to motivate the client to do just that.

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According to Rose & Smith, (2018), collaborative goal setting is a robust method when it comes to mental health support. The study, which gathered data over a 14-month time frame found that goal achievement and the strength of a working alliance were demonstrated to have a positive effect on personal recovery, for those in the study.

The GROW Acronym

The GROW acronym is another good model when it comes to tools for change.

G – Goal R – Reality O – Options W – Way Forward

G stands for goal.

When it comes to setting goals, it’s important to hone in on what you really want. When setting goals, it’s a good idea to be more specific, rather than general. Being specific will help you fine-tune your goal.

For example, many people try and set goals that are too general such as “I want to get healthy.” A better goal would be something much more specific like “I am going to improve my diet by eating more organic fresh foods and produce and I want to accomplish this by June 1st of this year.”

Asking detailed questions can also help you get more specific about your goal. Questions that are good to ask include:

• Why do you really want this goal?
• How important is it for you to achieve this goal?
• Is this goal realistic?
• How will you know when you have achieved this goal?
• How will you feel after achieving this goal?
• Do you believe you can influence this goal?
• Describe what kind of positive impact achieving this goal will have in your life.
• Describe any downsides when it comes to achieving the goal. If there are any, explain how you can handle that.

R stands for reality.

• As you get further into your goals it’s also imperative to be realistic.
• Try and ask yourself what is happening in terms of your goal at the present moment.
• What kinds of action have you taken in support of this goal?
• What kinds of results have you seen thus far?
• If you are struggling with this goal, you may need to adjust your goal and be more realistic.

O stands for options.

• What options have you explored in terms of achieving this goal?
• What are some other ways you can move forward?
• What else have you learned?
• What are the pros and cons of each of these options?

W stands for a way forward.

• What will you do once you have achieved this goal?
• What kinds of obstacles can you envision you might face?
• How can you plan ahead and come up with some strategies ahead of time?
• You can also rate your success or the possibility of achievement on a 1–10 scale. The number 1 means you have no certainty of achieving this goal and 10 means you have 100% certainty of achieving this goal.
• List three small steps you could take to start bringing yourself closer to this goal within the next 24 hours. This could be something simple like making a phone call, buying a personal journal or purchasing a healthy recipe guide.

Tips to support practitioners in the vital role they play.

How to Avoid Counseling Burnout

Counseling burnout is a real issue, especially for those in the mental health field. Counselors and therapists need to practice good self-care to avoid counseling burnout.

Maintaining that work-life balance is not easy, especially for counselors and therapists. Every day you enter into the personal world of your client, including the anxiety and the stress.

If you are not careful, your client’s pain and suffering will become your pain and suffering.

According to Thomas Skovholt , Ph.D., many counselors find themselves overwhelmed. Being a counselor or therapist requires a huge emotional investment in order to attune yourself to the client.

From mental abuse to addictions to sexual abuse and traumas, it can become overwhelming. According to Skovholt, there is a cycle of caring that is important to understand.

The Cycle of Caring

The “Cycle of Caring,” is a circular process – one in which the ideal treatment process would ideally follow.

• Empathic attachment phase . This first phase is all about developing a personal bond of trust with the client.
• Active involvement phase . The active involvement phase occurs when the counselor dives into the client’s personal issues.
• Felt separation phase . Ideally, this next phase occurs when the therapist ends the counseling relationship. He or she would then ideally reaffirm his or her own identity and separation at that time.
• Re-creation phase . This last phase involves reenergizing. Ideally, the counselor is ready and willing for the next client who comes up.

Signs of Counseling Burnout

• Compassion fatigue
• Feelings of isolation
• Mental exhaustion
• Physical exhaustion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Depersonalization of clients (referring to clients as cases and not people)

Compassion fatigue can occur when you experience an extreme state of tension and preoccupation with the suffering of those being helped. This might occur at such a degree that it could possibly create secondary trauma for the therapist or counselor.

Practicing good self-care can help you avoid compassion fatigue and see things in perspective.

Self-care might include spending more time with friends, curling up with a good goal-setting book or watching a funny movie with your partner or spouse. Any activity that nourishes you is good for self-care.

To avoid counseling burnout, try making a list of 5 things that you can do throughout the week to practice good self-care. You might consider things like:

• Meeting a friend for lunch or coffee.
• Getting a massage.
• Going for a long walk in the park.
• Cooking a lovely meal.
• Taking a night off from technology.
• Making a date with your spouse.
• Taking a warm bubble bath.
• Going to a movie.
• Treating yourself to something nice.
• Taking a day off or planning a vacation.
• Practicing a hobby.
• Taking mini-breaks throughout your day to sit outside.
• Listening to soft music.
• Meditating or deep breathing.
• Connecting with other therapists in the business.

Sometimes you have to make a conscious intention to practice good self-care so you can be a better counselor or therapist.

Occupational therapists help people do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic usage of daily activities.

Some common interventions include things like helping children with disabilities participate in school activities or social functions, helping adults or children recover from injuries, or even provide support to older people who may be experiencing cognitive or physical changes.

An occupational therapist typically provides an individual evaluation while working with the client to set and reach goals. An outcome evaluation may also be done so that the therapist can ensure the goals were met or take steps to change the intervention plan.

According to the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, client-centeredness is one of the core values of occupational therapy.

Being able to maintain this client-centeredness within both assessment and treatment plans helps the therapist be an advocate for the client.

Goals for occupational therapy can include:

• Goals for self-care
• Goals for work
• Goals for everyday life or play

An occupational therapist will also work with the client to create a robust plan for achieving goals. Without goals, a client would not have a clear understanding of their desires, needs and wants.

The ultimate goal for occupational therapy is to help someone live a normal and full life as much as possible.

SMART goals are a popular therapeutic technique within NLP and outside of it. A SMART goal is a goal that is:

One of the easiest ways to establish your values and goals is to make them SMART goals. SMART goals help give the client focus and direction while providing a robust plan for change. Setting a SMART goal is a great way to set a goal with a clearly defined focus.

Stating a goal specifically in a few short sentences helps one focus on the end result much better. It’s also important to focus on that end state, or the state of mind one envisions after achieving the goal.

A measurable goal is one that has a very specific target in mind.

For example, you could ask a client how they define success. It’s important to be able to focus on the feeling the lifestyle they want to attain gives them in addition to stating a measurable goal or number. It’s also important to make sure the goal is meaningful for them.

A good financial goal could be something like this:

“I am creating total financial success where I make at least x dollars a month. I am creating the life of my dreams in an easy and relaxed manner.”

An achievable or action-oriented goal should be one that is challenging but realistic. If someone wants a certain level of financial success, it may not be practical or believable to say, I am making 50,000 a month.

A much more practical approach would be to say something like “ I am working myself up to making at least $8,000-10,000 a month initially. ”

It is better to gradually introduce the mind to a higher and higher goal rather than start out with one that is not believable.

A realistic goal is a goal that has meaning and purpose. Everyone is different so his or her goals will be different. It is important that a client’s goal is fine-tuned to their specific needs.

For goals to be effective they should also have a timetable, otherwise, they may not have relevance. Putting a timetable on a goal, in terms of a specific date in which one is striving to achieve it, can go a long way to motivate someone.

Be sure to give a goal long enough time to realistically achieve it, but not too much time that one loses sight of what they are looking to achieve.

Setting goals helps keep one accountable for their progress along the way. Goals are a great tool for motivation within NLP and outside of NLP.

When you break a goal down to very specific, measurable steps, you will find your goal much easier to follow.

Is your Goal a SMART Goal?

A SMART goal is much more than a simple thought. It is a clearly defined path to success and achievement.

S – Specific

Begin by clearly defining your goal. Make it as specific as possible. Write your goal down and think about ways you can achieve it.

M – Measurable and Meaningful

Make your goals measurable and meaningful. Having a way to measure a goal can make the difference between failure and success.

A – Achievable and Action Oriented

Is your goal achievable and action oriented? Is your goal achievable in the chosen timeframe? What do you need to accomplish to get to your goal?

R – Realistic

Be realistic about how long it will take you to reach your goal. Be clear about the steps necessary to get there.

T – Timely

Goals that are timely are much more likely to be achieved.

A social worker is an academic discipline and a profession that is concerned with individuals, families, groups, and communities. A social worker may be concerned with someone on an individual level or the community as a whole in terms of helping people with tangible services, providing social or health services or even participating in legislative processes.

Goal setting is obviously a big part of a social workers job.

Social workers often serve as liaisons between different institutions and patients. They may also collaborate with other health professionals to ensure a client’s health and wellness.

Working with clients and teaching them how to set goals is an important part of the process.

A social worker might work with a client to help them:

• Explore and assess strengths and challenges.
• Partner together with them to identify short-term and long-term goals.
• Find out what is really important for their growth and life success.
• Develop a plan of action for change.

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Goal setting can also be a useful tool for those suffering from depression. Helping those in therapy set realistic goals has the potential to help people, according to a study published in the journal PLOS ONE.

The study found that those who were depressed had more difficulties setting goals and they were also less likely to believe they would achieve those goals.

The study followed 42 individuals with depression. These people were recruited from two clinics in England. The researchers compared the study group with 51 people who did not suffer from depression.

The study did not find that those with depression lacked motivation since the depression group came up with as many goals as the group without depression.

Those with depression did, however, describe more avoidance goals rather than using approach goals. Approach goals might describe positive actions such as expressing more gratitude or taking more walks.

An avoidance goal, on the other hand, strives to reduce negative outcomes such as stopping smoking or reducing anger.

Those in the depression group were more likely to give up on their goals when facing challenges when compared with the control group.

This research provides important clues for helping people with depression set and achieve goals. By helping the depressed client set realistic but achievable goals, you can also help them stay on the right track and persist in the pursuit of that goal.

Treatment planning in counseling – Dr. Todd Grande

Goal setting is also an important part of the process of rehabilitation in terms of defining outcomes. By coming to an agreement of what is expected, caregivers can then organize their resources as well as their time in support of the rehab process.

This also helps the caregiver determine where to best concentrate resources in terms of expected outcomes.

One of the most important goals in terms of rehabilitation is, of course, the strategic outcome of the rehab process. This outcome will vary widely among clients. For some people, simply returning to a normal lifestyle is the ultimate goal.

Someone else may have a goal to return home with the assistance of a helper or caregiver. Most inpatient rehabilitation programs have very specific goals when it comes to accelerating the return of a patient back to their normal lifestyle.

Setting appropriate goals helps provide the patient with the motivation to succeed.

In a recent study of elderly patients, getting rid of pain, walking, a sense of autonomy as well as returning home were listed as the most frequently reported goals.

The study revealed that shorter lengths of inpatient stays and attainment of goals were significant predictors for improvement when it came to the overall functioning from the patient’s perspective.

Engaging in activities is a great way to help your client set and achieve goals.

The Average Perfect Day Activity

This activity can help shift your focus from the negative to the positive. Focusing on your perfect day is a great fun activity for anyone.

Start by taking a blank piece of paper or opening a blank document on your computer and writing down your ideal daily schedule.

Consider these things:

• What time do you want to wake up?
• What do you do once you are awake?
• Do you kiss your spouse?
• Do you open up windows and let the sun in?
• Do you go to the kitchen for a cup of coffee or tea?
• What do you do next, take a shower, watch the news, etc.?
• How do you spend your day?
• Who do you interact with?
• What do you do for lunch or dinner?
• How do you relax at the end of the day?
• What would you like to accomplish?

These may seem like simple things but they can create a powerful vision. This perfect day should be a day where you can do whatever you want. This is not about focusing on a major life event, but rather on a typical day.

You can also ask your clients to close their eyes and go through this typical day in their mind.

Emulate Someone You Admire Activity

This activity can help take someone out of their comfort zone by having them imagine themselves as someone they respect or admire.

Start by taking a blank piece of paper or a document on your computer. Write down all of the qualities of this person you admire in each area of life.

• School/Career
• Personal relationships
• Health, etc.

You can also write a brief paragraph on the type of person you strive to be in each of these areas. Try not to limit yourself in any one area like the lack of money or a lack of education for example.

You can also role model someone and take a few moments to close your eyes and see yourself as this happy, successful person.

Develop Goal Setting Plans for Each Area of Life Activity

This is a great activity to revisit someone’s overall goals. Try and encourage your client to create their ideal vision in each area of life.

• Health and wellness.
• Social life.
• Personal life.
• Spiritual life.

For example, someone may have a goal to get healthier by cutting back on processed foods and eating more nutrient-dense foods. In terms of family, someone may want to dedicate more time with their children or with their spouse.

Socially speaking, someone may make a goal to get out more with friends and take more time to relax over the weekdays or weekends.

This is a great overall goal-setting exercise that can help someone see the big picture.

The Worry Tree Activity

The Worry Tree is another simple activity that can really help someone change their focus when they get in a negative spiral.

The Worry Tree helps one break down those negative thoughts.

• When you get a worry, stop and ask yourself what you are really worried about.
• Next, stop and ask yourself what you can do about it, if anything, in the present moment.
• If there is something you CAN do about it, create an action plan. Ask yourself the when, what and how of the situation.
• If you can take action, do so immediately or put it on your agenda for tomorrow, then let the worry go.
• If there is absolutely nothing that you can do about this worry in the present moment, let the worry go! Change your focus of attention.
• Live in the NOW.
• Sometimes just getting your thoughts down on paper can help you see how silly and pointless worrying really is.

A goal-setting workbook may very well be the perfect tool for helping someone achieve his or her goals and dreams. Using a workbook allows one to track their progress and get things down on paper.

A workbook also allows one to get clear on their visions, goals, and dreams. All great achievements in life start with an idea. Using a workbook to track those ideas is a smart thing to do.

A goal-setting workbook can help someone:

• Create and track simple goals.
• Create a plan of action for those goals.
• Keep track of what they have accomplished in life.
• Track those things they don’t want to repeat.
• Identify things that are holding them back.
• Identify things that inspire them.
• Identify both short-term and long-term goals.
• Identify areas of life that still need improvement.
• Create new resolutions and goals.
• Create and stick with new habits.
• Create identifiable and quantifiable outcomes.
• See the bigger picture.
• Identify mentors and mastermind groups.
• Break large overwhelming tasks or goals into smaller more manageable goals.
• Hold one accountable for their progress in life.
• Discover their passions and talents.
• Get motivated and excited about life once again.

A goal-setting workbook is a great tracking tool for thoughts and ideas. If someone doesn’t have the motivation to keep a daily journal, a goal-setting workbook is the next best thing because they can check it once a week or so and update their progress.

Read more about goal-setting books here .

We share a list of workbooks that can aid counselors with goal setting for their clients.

1. Zig Zigler goal setting process workbook

This workbook , written by Richard Spackman, reviews 8 action steps to achieving goals. The book is designed to tie together Zig Zigler’s goal setting system.

2. Creative goal setting workbook by Marianne Thorne

Marianne Thorne is an attitude coach. Her workbook reviews 12 areas of creative goal setting: consciousness, contribution, family, health, home, leisure, material things, personal development, relationships, resources, self, and the planet.

3. Ten Steps to Success: Write it Down and Make it Happen by Matt Morris

Matt Morris is a best-selling author, speaker, and life coach. This workbook outlines a 10-step formula for successfully setting up and achieving your goals. The book also reviews ways to stay motivated, how to apply SMART goals and how to develop a mindset of excellence.

4. Goal Setting: Goals & Motivation

Goal Setting: Goals & Motivation: An Introduction to a Complete & Proven Step-by-Step Blueprint for Reaching Your Goals by Martin Kaye.

Martin Kaye is the founder of the Better Self Academy. This book offers an evidence-based introduction into the world of goal setting. The book promotes the importance of using your strengths, how to avoid the rat race and how motivation really works.

By offering simple daily routines, this book provides a nice overview for setting and achieving goals.

17 Tools To Increase Motivation and Goal Achievement

These 17 Motivation & Goal Achievement Exercises [PDF] contain all you need to help others set meaningful goals, increase self-drive, and experience greater accomplishment and life satisfaction.

Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

Many people fail when it comes to setting goals because they don’t have a plan. Having ideas is great, however, if you fail to write them down or fail to act upon them, they probably won’t happen.

Helping your clients set and achieve goals is a large part of the therapeutic process. Having a good supply of templates to access can help you do just that.

One great template to use is the SMART Goal Setting Worksheet . This worksheet can go a long way to helping your clients hone in on their dreams and goals.

This template can help your client not only identify their goal but help them get really clear on why the goal is important.

With this worksheet, you can also identify potential problems, and create action items to help the goal become a reality.

The Goal Execution Worksheet is another great option. In this worksheet, you will find a place to record goals and action steps, start dates as well as starting metrics and final metrics.

The Simple Goal Setting Worksheet is another option. Sometimes simpler is better, especially if clients are feeling overwhelmed.

The Simple Goal Setting Worksheet has a place to record goals, a place for the anticipated completion date, as well as two things that can help someone reach the goal. This worksheet is also a smart choice for those who might be having difficulties creating and achieving goals.

The Goal Exploration Worksheet is designed to help your clients examine goals across several different areas of life, including social, career, physical, family, leisure and even personality. Creating meaningful goals across multiple areas of life can be very beneficial for those who are struggling.

The Goal Planning Worksheet is another handy tool. This worksheet can help your client set clear goals as well as envision obstacles and strategies for reaching those goals. This worksheet can help your clients set goals for the short-term as well as the long-term.

The Therapy Goal Worksheet is designed to help develop treatment goals at the onset of therapy. It can also be used to set a direction in therapy as well as help create desired outcomes.

This worksheet also contains the Magic Wand question, which is a great tool to help develop the imagination. This worksheet is a valuable tool for treatment planning and creating an outline for future therapy sessions.

Worksheets can be a great tool for people who have trouble envisioning their goals clearly.

Goal setting is certainly an important part of the counseling process. Setting goals can help someone bridge the gap between what they imagine in their mind to making it happen in the real world.

Helping your clients set strong empowering goals can help hold them accountable in the long run. While it seems relatively simple to sit down and write out a goal, it’s not always easy to find the motivation to create a robust goal.

That is where the therapist or counselor comes into play. Teaching your clients to own their own success by setting powerful goals can go a long way in the recovery process.

As a counselor, you have an important job. However, it’s also important to practice good self-care so you can avoid counseling burnout. If you are not at your absolute best, the client will sense it and not benefit as much from the counseling process.

In the end, the counseling relationship is a collaborative one. Helping your clients understand that therapy is only as good as the information you get can help them learn to be more open and honest during the counseling process.

The therapeutic process can be quite an amazing process and a tool that is transformative for everyone.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Goal Achievement Exercises for free .

• Arocho, J. (2019, March 18). How CBT uses goal setting. Retrieved March 27, 2019, from http://www.manhattancbt.com/archives/544/cbt-uses-goal-setting/
• Beyond Goal Setting to Flourishing. (2017, September 27). Retrieved March 27, 2019, from https://www.apa.org/pubs/highlights/spotlight/issue-101
• Dickson, J. M., Moberly, N. J., O’Dea, C., & Field, M. (2016). Goal fluency, pessimism and disengagement in depression. PLOS ONE, 11(11).
• Foundations Counseling, LLC. (2017, October 09). The Importance of Goals and Goal Setting. Retrieved March 27, 2019, from https://www.foundationscounselingllc.com/blog/importance-of-goals-and-goal-setting.php
• Goals Worksheets. (n.d.). Retrieved March 27, 2019, from https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-worksheets/goals/none
• Hamilton-Kuby, C. (2017, January 3). SMART and WISE Gaol-Setting Using Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Retrieved March 27, 2019, from https://coachfederation.org/blog/smart-wise-goal-setting-using-neuro-linguistics-programming-nlp
• Lipovsky, W. (2018, September 25). Occupational Therapy Goals: Short-Term, Long-Term Examples. Retrieved March 27, 2019, from https://firstquarterfinance.com/occupational-therapy-goals-examples/
• Nikitina, A. (2018, January 03). One of the Best Goal Setting Exercises. Retrieved March 27, 2019, from https://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/one-the-best-goal-setting-exercises.html
• Nowack, K. (2017). Facilitating successful behavior change: Beyond goal setting to goal flourishing. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 69 (3), 153–171.
• Rethink Mental Illness. (n.d.). Retrieved March 27, 2019, from https://www.rethink.org/living-with-mental-illness/recovery/tools-for-recovery/goal-setting
• Rose, G., & Smith, L. (2018). Mental health recovery, goal setting and working alliance in an Australian community-managed organisation. Health Psychology Open.
• Self-care Tips for Therapists and Counselors. (2017, December 08). Retrieved March 27, 2019, from https://www.theranest.com/blog/self-care-tips-for-therapists/
• The Importance of Goal Setting in Therapy. (2019, February 21). Retrieved March 27, 2019, from https://www.griefrecoveryhouston.com/importance-of-goal-setting-in-therapy/
• Thomas, B. (2018, June 25). What Are the Goals of Counseling?
• Understanding the Role of a Social Worker. (n.d.). Retrieved March 27, 2019, from https://mswonlineprograms.org/job-duties-and-responsibilities-of-social-workers/ation.com/social-sciences/What-are-the-goals-of-counseling
• Villines, Z. (2017, January 04). Effective Goal Setting Could Help People with Depression. Retrieved March 27, 2019, from https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/effective-goal-setting-could-help-people-with-depression-0105171
• Writers, S. (2018, October 01). Avoiding Counselor Burnout While Seeking Resilience. Retrieved March 27, 2019, from https://counselor-license.com/articles/avoiding-burnout-skovholt/
• www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/worrytree.pdf
• https://liveyourlegend.net/

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