2 answers
2 answers
Updated
Margaret’s Answer
Hi Jessica, I've been a counselor for 16 years and I've found that a great way to set goals is to pick your long range outcome (What do you ultimately want to accomplish or feel?), then pick short range goals (things you can do or work on over 3 or 6 months) and then decide on the interventions (therapy 1x a week, practice 2 coping skills daily, etc). This helps the goals not feel so overwhelming and gives people a way to break down their goals into something attainable. Good luck to you!
Look up SMART goals for more information on setting goals
Psychology today is a great place to find a good therapist
Margaret recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Sidney’s Answer
Hi Jessica, this is a good question. Counselors generally stick to a format of SMART goals. That stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound. The thing is to gain an understanding of a longer term goal. For example, receiving a final grade of A in class has smaller steps or goals that must be achieved to reach the final outcome. If the course is eight weeks long, then to get that final grade, the first seven weeks of class must support that final mark of A.