Recovery Goal Action Plan — Clinician dialogue

Invite and obtain permission

Offer: "Would it be useful to explore recovery goal action plan using an ordinary or fictional example? We can adapt it, observe, or stop." Ask what the person wants from the conversation.

Elicit before teaching

Ask: "How does this show up, if at all, in your own words?" Offer this idea tentatively: A long-term recovery goal can be supported by a small near-term action. Ask what fits and what does not.

Guide the task

Link a chosen goal to a manageable step, support, barrier plan, and review time. Ask for permission before giving an example. Use this fictional illustration if useful: Casey wants to return to art group and plans to ask about accessibility.

Reflect and check accuracy

Reflect only what was offered: "I heard you describe ___. What did I miss?" Ask: What is small enough to attempt before the next meeting? Avoid assigning motives or interpreting silence as agreement.

Respond to a mismatch

If the person rejects the frame, say: "Thank you for correcting it. What would be more useful?" Return to their language or choose a different approach.

Close with agency

Ask which observation, question, or support request the person wants to keep. Confirm a manageable ending and appropriate follow-up; do not turn a tentative possibility into a homework obligation.

Prompts for this resource

1. Readiness, permission, cultural context, and access needs to check:
2. What is small enough to attempt before the next meeting?
3. What would tell me to adapt, stop, or seek supervision?