Begin With an Ordinary Situation
Instead of asking only how you want to feel in general, we can look at a moment you would like to experience differently. Perhaps you want to speak during a disagreement, make a decision without endless self-criticism or have more room for grief. A concrete situation helps us understand what matters.
Use Words That Mean Something to You
A useful goal belongs to you. I may ask questions to clarify it, but I do not want to replace your language with a label that feels remote from your life. We can also distinguish a choice you can make from an outcome that depends on someone else.
Notice More Than One Kind of Change
We can pay attention to what you understand, what you try and how you respond to difficulties. A goal does not have to become an all-or-nothing test. The question is whether our work is helping you engage with the concerns you brought, and what needs more attention.
Revisit the Direction
Your priorities may change as we get to know the problem more fully. We can amend a goal, set one aside or acknowledge that a particular approach is not fitting. Honest feedback helps keep therapy connected to the life you are actually living.