Introduction to a Goal Directed Approach in CBT
Hello Dear People, today I will talk about the goal-directed approach. Goals are part of our life even if we do not realize it. Personal goals, health goals, career goals etc.
Goals can give us a purpose but also a sense of achievement, moving forward, experiencing progress and/or a sense of fulfilment. The study by Rose & Smith (2018) showed that goal achievement along with therapeutic alliance are two significant components influencing recovery for patients.
Different Therapeutic Approaches to Goal Setting
Not all types of therapy set up goals even though there is a general reason why a person comes to the therapy. Some types of therapy are spontaneous and free-flowing which means following what comes up in the present moment in therapy and exploring that.
So even when for example anxiety is introduced as a problem, an approach can include free conversation about an issue and an invitation to self-reflection.
The Role of Goals in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
However, a goal-directed approach sets up specific goals at the beginning of therapy that are kept in focus throughout the process.
The questioning is targeted towards learning about components of an issue, its context, triggers and influences that contribute to its occurrence. Against the popular myth about CBT being focused on here and now, CBT therapists are open to exploring past experiences and helping a clients process them accordingly. In CBT the case formulation is used to help gather needed information whereas a behavioural chain technique can help to break particular components into pieces and investigate them in detail.
Then various techniques are applied including emotional, behavioural or cognitive exercises that are aimed towards reaching set goals.
Standard Goal-Setting Approach in CBT
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy introduces a standard-setting Setting Approach breaking it into five main steps:
- Identifying your goal.
- Choosing a first step.
- Identifying further steps required to achieve the goal and breaking them into achievable mini-goals.
- Behavioural activation towards taking a first step.
The Therapist’s Role in Goal Achievement
The role of the therapist is to help you to keep the focus on a goal, emotional support, collaboration and flexibility around the process in order to overcome obstacles on the way, and at best creativity with critical thinking skills in problem-solving. For a CBT therapist, it is crucial to measure improvements by applying various feedback forms or using standard scales of 0 to 10.
Overcoming Myths About Paperwork in CBT
Another popular myth about CBT is that this type of therapy requires paper work however skilled therapists can include components of CBT therapy through dialogue minimalizing forms that can be felt as overwhelming. Yet, keeping notes and practising some type of friendly short forms add more power to achieving your goals. So stay open.
Conclusion
To the next 😉