Goal-oriented practice across therapies

Abstract

This chapter explores goal-oriented practice across therapies: cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), psychoanalytic psychotherapy, psychoanalytic child psychotherapy, interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), humanistic and existential therapies, systemic family therapy, and online therapy. Each section gives an overview of the approach and sets out ways that goals are conceptualized, negotiated, and embedded. Examples are given to illustrate how goals are used. Differences are found across these approaches in the methods used to negotiate goals, and the extent that these are made explicit and embedded in the work. Greater similarities are found in the use of goals in CBT and IPT, compared with the less directive modalities of humanistic, psychodynamic, and systemic psychotherapies. Differences are also found within modalities (e.g. psychoanalytic psychotherapy for adults versus psychoanalytic child psychotherapy). However, the chapter demonstrates the many similarities in the use of goals as a common factor across these different therapeutic approaches.

From intention to action: A mixed methods study of clients’ experiences of goal‐oriented practices

“…Early psychoanalytic methods focused on uncovering unconscious mental processes and therefore did not directly inquiry into clients’ conscious goals (Cooper & Law, ; Grey et al, ). However, with the rise of cognitive and behavioral therapies—in which goal setting and goal utilization played a central role (Grey et al, )—goal‐oriented practices became a more common feature of psychotherapy. Today, they are central to a range of problem management and integrative therapies, such as systematic motivational counseling (Cox & Klinger, ) and comprehensive psychotherapy (Grawe, ).…”

Guided Goal Setting in Therapy Towards Being Fully Functioning

“…This therefore begs the question of whether clients may have a greater preference for goal setting than therapists are willing to acknowledge. Cooper and Law (2018) also suggest that goals and goalrelated processes relate closely to how positive people feel. Moving towards attainable goals and then achieving them is associated with positive affect and a sense of well-being.…”

“…It seemed here, that the therapists may have affected the clients' views on goal setting based on their own level of comfort with the process. Cooper and Law (2018) suggest that around six out of ten people would like goals in therapy, two out of ten would not, and two out of ten are ambivalent. This therefore begs the question of whether clients may have a greater preference for goal setting than therapists are willing to acknowledge.…”

“…Person-centered therapists on the other hand have always rejected the idea of directing anything in the therapeutic process. However, Cooper and Law (2018) suggest specifically, that person-centered therapists should orientate their processes towards their clients' goals. Grey et al (2018) also support the approach, considering that humanistic therapy can be enhanced through goal setting.…”

“…However, Cooper and Law (2018) suggest specifically, that person-centered therapists should orientate their processes towards their clients' goals. Grey et al (2018) also support the approach, considering that humanistic therapy can be enhanced through goal setting. Goal setting in non-directive therapies is however, a methodological paradox and is only just beginning to emerge as an acceptable approach.…”