Structured
Goal Setting
The 5-step structured goal-setting approach below is a powerful tool for guiding clients through the process of setting and achieving their goals in counseling.
Here’s what you can expect:
Where are you now? (PRESENT)
Objective: To help the client identify their current situation, feelings, and behaviors.
Application: Begin by asking open-ended questions to explore the client’s current state. For example, “Can you describe your current situation?” or “What are some of the challenges you’re facing right now?” This step helps establish a baseline and ensures that both you and the client have a clear understanding of their starting point.
Application: Begin by asking open-ended questions to explore the client’s current state. For example, “Can you describe your current situation?” or “What are some of the challenges you’re facing right now?” This step helps establish a baseline and ensures that both you and the client have a clear understanding of their starting point.
Where do you want to be? (FUTURE)
Objective: To help the client define their desired outcome or goal.
Application: Encourage the client to articulate their aspirations or what they hope to achieve. Ask questions like, “What would you like to change or improve in your life?” or “What would success look like for you?” This step focuses on clarifying the client’s vision and setting a clear target.
Application: Encourage the client to articulate their aspirations or what they hope to achieve. Ask questions like, “What would you like to change or improve in your life?” or “What would success look like for you?” This step focuses on clarifying the client’s vision and setting a clear target.
How are you going to get there? (PLAN)
Objective: To develop a concrete plan or strategy for achieving the goal.
Application: Work with the client to create a step-by-step plan. Discuss the specific actions they need to take, the resources they might need, and any timelines. You might ask, “What steps can you take to move closer to your goal?” or “What resources or support do you need to achieve this?”
Application: Work with the client to create a step-by-step plan. Discuss the specific actions they need to take, the resources they might need, and any timelines. You might ask, “What steps can you take to move closer to your goal?” or “What resources or support do you need to achieve this?”
What is preventing you from reaching your goals? (BARRIERS)
Objective: To identify potential obstacles that could hinder progress.
Application: Help the client anticipate challenges they might face. Discuss these barriers openly, whether they are internal (e.g., fears, self-doubt) or external (e.g., lack of resources, time constraints). Questions like “What could stand in the way of achieving your goal?” or “Have you encountered any obstacles in the past when trying to achieve similar goals?” can be useful here.
Application: Help the client anticipate challenges they might face. Discuss these barriers openly, whether they are internal (e.g., fears, self-doubt) or external (e.g., lack of resources, time constraints). Questions like “What could stand in the way of achieving your goal?” or “Have you encountered any obstacles in the past when trying to achieve similar goals?” can be useful here.
How are you going to overcome your barriers? (OVERCOME)
Objective: To develop strategies for overcoming the identified barriers.
Application: Collaborate with the client to brainstorm solutions to the barriers. This might involve building new skills, seeking support, or changing their approach. Ask questions like, “What strategies can you use to overcome these obstacles?” or “Who or what can help you overcome this challenge?”
Application: Collaborate with the client to brainstorm solutions to the barriers. This might involve building new skills, seeking support, or changing their approach. Ask questions like, “What strategies can you use to overcome these obstacles?” or “Who or what can help you overcome this challenge?”
AMAR SANGHA COUNSELLING 