Therapy Goals

Therapists should provide this factual information to clients in a reassuring, validating manner. Reassurance and support are essential parts of an effective closing.

186 Structuring and AssessmentReviewing Goals and Monitoring Change Another key issue toward the end of the intake is the future. Clients come to counseling or therapy because they want change, and change involves the future.

Many interviewers pose some form of the following question toward the end of the intake: “Let’s say that therapy is successful and you notice some major changes in your life. What will have changed?” Other future oriented questions may also be appropriate, including “How do you see yourself changing in the next several years?” or “What kind of personal goals are you striving toward?” Discussion of therapy goals during an intake interview or in early therapy sessions provides a foundation for termination . Corey suggests that initial interview assessments include a question such as “What are the prospects for meaningful change, and how will we know when that change has occurred?” .

Through establishing clear de?nitions of desired change, clients and interviewers can jointly monitor the progress of therapy and together determine when the end of therapy is approaching. Client goals should be formulated from client problems at the beginning of an intake interview. It is also important to review client goals in a positive and upbeat manner toward the interview’s end.

FACTORS AFFECTING INTAKE INTERVIEW PROCEDURES To conduct an intake interview that thoroughly covers each area described in this chapter within a traditional 50 minute period is impossible. As a professional interviewer, you must make choices regarding what to emphasize, what to deemphasize, and what to ignore. Several factors affect your choices.