ABSTRACT
We say 'agreeing on goals' because the therapist does not automatically go along with the client's goal choice. The client might select a goal that is outside of her control, counterproductive or unrealistic. For each problem on the list there will be a specific goal. Clients are prone to state their goals in vague or general terms. The therapist would need to ask each client what specific changes would have to occur in order for these goals operationalized. The next step is to decide how progress towards these specific goals assessed or measured. Derived from the world of business management, clients engage in SMART goal-setting. SMART derived as Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timescale. Dobson and Dobson suggest that the SMART model is best suited for behavioural goals though any goal subjected to SMART criteria. Goals stated in positive terms instead of negative terms so 'that it is explicit what the patient is moving towards and not away from'.
