Chapter 6 Developing counseling goals

[Audio] Welcome everyone! Today we are discussing how to develop counseling goals for our clients. In this chapter, we will learn the process of translating general client concerns into specific desired goals. Let's get started!.

[Audio] In counseling, it is important to be able to translate general client concerns into specific desired goals. Goals act as a measure of success and have a motivating effect, helping the client alter their behavior to benefit themselves in the future. Additionally, goals serve as an assessment tool, allowing both the client and the counselor to evaluate the effectiveness of the counseling session..

[Audio] Process of goal setting in counseling is vital for having positive results. It is the duty of the counselor to form a encouraging therapeutic relationship so that the client acquires the best conditions to undergo change. Outcome goals shall differ from client to client and must be associated to the metamorphoses they would expect to attain. Goals should be noticeable, so that they can be examined, and should precisely explain what needs to be changed, the situations in which the change can take place and the expected level of change. By distinctly stating these goals, the client and counselor can collaborate to enhance the prospects of success..

[Audio] There are two main types of skills when it comes to goal-setting: verbal and structuring. Verbal skills help open and guide the discussion, while structuring skills assist the client in conceiving their goals. Examples of verbal goal-setting skills are envisioning how the client would be different after reaching a goal and inspiring with phrases like “I know you can do this.” Structuring skills involve making a goal-setting map, itemizing all goals and sub-goals and listing a timeline to stay on track. Another tool, succeedingly approximation, can be used to divide the change into a sequence of realistically obtainable steps..

[Audio] In this chapter, we will explore how to accurately interpret the client's broad objectives into specific, defined goals. This will entail gaining the proficiencies of verbal and structural acumen. Verbal skills will be used to initiate and lead the conversation, whereas structural skills will help the client to develop their objectives further. With regards to verbal goal-setting abilities, we will be looking at visualizing, which can help the client visualise the positive changes their life can bring about if they reach their targets, confrontation to help them confront those matters they may be avoiding, and encouragement to motivate them to attain their goals..

[Audio] Creating specific counseling goals is essential for the success of any counseling session. Goals provide direction by outlining the client's primary concerns and uncovering the steps necessary to achieve a resolution. When working with children, it is important to factor in the child's development to ensure this crucial process is appropriate. This takes into account the child's cognitive, affective, and moral development. Cognitive development looks at the child's ability to think ly, affective development is the capacity to identify and articulate emotions, and moral development is the capacity to differentiate between right and wrong. Taking into account all of these aspects guarantees a positive and helpful outcome for the counseling session..