A useful goal connects to a change the client values in daily life. This page supports collaborative planning and review. Its ratings or observations are informal indicators, not validated measures, diagnostic thresholds, or proof of treatment effectiveness.
Start with the life change
Ask what would become possible if therapy helped. Example: "I want to speak during meetings instead of avoiding them." Describe the current pattern using the client's report and relevant observations without inventing a baseline.
Choose a fair indicator
Select a behavior, frequency, duration, or client-defined marker. Include context: attending one meeting may depend on whether meetings were offered. Use an appropriate validated measure separately when clinically indicated and permitted.
Review the meaning of change
Set a date to revisit the goal. Ask whether the indicator still reflects what matters and whether progress came with unwanted costs. Modify the goal, intervention, or supports when evidence suggests a poor fit.
Reflection prompts
Use these questions in conversation, on paper, or in the downloaded PDF. You may adapt or skip a prompt.
- The valued life change in the client's words
- Current pattern and the source of that information
- Observable indicator and relevant context
- Review date and criteria for revising the plan