ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the goal setting with the couple Tom and Erica. This couple diagnosis and couple goal setting set the stage for significant couple change. One cornerstone of good couples therapy is an accurate and useful diagnosis. Another is goal setting. Explicating clear, cogent goals serves both the therapist and the couple in a number of significant ways. It makes clear what needs fixing and why. It helps make sense of the action strategies to come. It serves to enroll the couple in the therapy process as active, cooperative change agents. It undercuts discouragement and provides hope. There are two purposes to the Goal Setting Workshop. One is to specify exactly what each partner needs to do to repair the couple damage and, beyond that, make the relationship soar. A second is for each partner to make a genuine commitment to do their part to eliminate their disturbed emotions and dysfunctional behaviors. After all, nothing changes without committed action.
