Recovery · 20–30 MIN · ADULTS / FACILITATED GROUPS

Put the Goal in Your Own Words

Build a goal statement that separates referral pressure from a personally meaningful aim.

UNDERSTAND

What is happening here?

An externally stated goal and a person’s own aim may overlap without being identical. Naming what matters can make a conversation more specific. A goal can remain tentative while the person explores concerns, options, and the supports needed to act.

Conceptual background

SAMHSA · TIP 35: Enhancing Motivation for Change. This reference supports the broad concept; it does not validate or endorse this original exercise.

PRACTICE WITH PURPOSE

How to use it

Use the fictional situation or a low-stakes request of your own.
Build a specific message, including a limit or workable alternative.
Rehearse it silently or aloud, then consider what to do if the request is declined.

Rehearse a request

Explore · Adjust · Reflect

Your workspace

Use a fictional or manageable example. Responses stay in this tab and are not submitted or automatically saved. Export and print include what you enter. You may observe, adapt, or pass.

MAKE IT USEFUL

Notice. Discuss. Take one thing.

What part of the next step belongs to the person rather than the referral?What is the fallback if the request is declined?One small next step, adaptation, or question to bring to a session

Choose another experience

For thoughtful facilitation

Open with the concept, demonstrate one fictional example, allow individual exploration or paired discussion, and close with one optional takeaway. Ask what fits the participant’s culture, language, access needs, and present capacity. Invite observation instead of disclosure; do not interpret participation as a measure of motivation.

Fit and care: Use manageable or fictional examples and adapt within competence. This is educational practice, not diagnosis, crisis care, or individualized treatment.

Original AI-assisted educational activity; independent clinical review pending. This is not an assessment, a complete treatment protocol, or emergency care. No automated risk scoring or outcome claims are made.