Therapy Intake: Early-Session Goal Phrases That Win Buy-In

I approach goal setting by integrating it into the intake assessment process. I collaboratively create goals with clients. I help them identify broad goals, narrow them into SMART objectives, and then identify progress indicators. Typically, I help them visualize the future, maybe 6 months in advance by helping them think about how life could look different for them if they were to make progress with their goals. I find that clients usually enjoy collaborating on goals. However, they do struggle to identify progress indicators, which makes sense. That's why they're in therapy to visualize a new life for themselves.

When I'm doing a consult call with a potential client, I always ask them, "If you decide to work with me, what would you like to see shift or change in your life that would tell you this was worth your time, money, effort, etc?" That always gets them talking about their goals in a meaningful way, without actually using the word goals, which often makes many people freeze up or feel like they need to come up with a formal SMART goals statement.

Then, once we start working together, I use that list in initial sessions to help them refine what they'd like to work on that would create those desired changes. Because most people don't come into therapy saying, "I'd like to learn how to set healthy boundaries", they come in complaining of feeling like they're getting taken advantage of at work because they care so much, or their spouse never does any of the housework, and they want that to change.

Asking them to start by outlining what they want to see change gets them bought into the outcome they want to see. Which is helpful later on when the process involves changes that might be hard to make.

Goals land best when they feel chosen, not assigned. Think about what change would matter in daily life this week. Picture one goal that sounds like your words, not someone else's.

It can be small and clear so success feels possible. A goal that fits your season of life builds trust and energy. Please name the goal that feels most yours today.

Early relief can build hope and momentum. Look at the symptom that steals the most time or sleep. Consider which one has a simple step that could help soon.

Aim for a change you could rate on a scale by next week. A small drop in intensity can unlock bigger work. Pick the symptom that could ease first in a realistic way today.

Change moves faster when it rides on strengths already present. Think of times you solved a hard problem or kept a promise under stress. Notice the traits, skills, or supports that showed up then.

These assets can carry new habits and protect against setbacks. Using what works reduces effort and builds confidence. Name one strength you can lean on to drive change now.

Planning for bumps makes forward steps safer. Scan the week for triggers, time crunches, or people who drain focus. Be honest about patterns that have stalled past efforts.

A clear if-then plan can turn a trap into a cue for skill use. Naming risks lowers shame and raises control. Please name the top derailment risk now and how you will handle it.

Values give direction when choices get hard. Think about what matters more than comfort or speed. When goals match a core value, effort feels meaningful and steady.

A clear value also sets guardrails when stress rises. It keeps choices aligned with the person you want to be. Choose one personal value to guide the work starting today.