How to Set Therapy Goals With Soul… and Journal Prompts for Creating Your Own Goals
Psychotherapy, wherever you are!
One of my absolute favourite parts of being a psychotherapist is taking the time to work with my clients to set their own psychotherapeutic goals with soul. Together, we identify what they hope to get out of therapy and what they really hope it will mean for their life's greater vision!
First off, let’s all make sure we’re on the same page! What really is a psychotherapeutic approach?
A PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC APPROACH
Psychotherapy, sometimes called talk therapy, is treating emotional and personal issues that involve a talking relationship between a therapist and client. A Psychotherapist can use a variety of therapeutic tools to support their clients in overcoming their personal challenges.
When you work with a psychotherapist, you and your therapist will establish a clearly communicated, mutually agreed upon goal or plan for your therapy. Each therapy session will have a clear beginning and end where problems or concerns are presented and discussed, and outcomes are explored. Your therapist will demonstrate the appropriate use of boundaries to create a safe and confidential environment so you can truly thrive.
Part of getting started with psychotherapy is taking the time to identify and set your own goals with soul…
SETTING THERAPEUTIC GOALS WITH SOUL WITH YOUR THERAPIST
The critical thing to remember above all else here is that therapeutic goals will differ for every person. Your therapist will work with you to establish clear and achievable goals, encouraging accountability for the things you want to achieve. A specific and meaningful goal can provide you with a roadmap to overcome challenges and accomplish the things you want in life.
As you and your therapist get started with goal-setting, your therapist will ask you to consider…
What you would like to get out of therapy
What you believe is holding you back from reaching that goal
What you expect to achieve
And what motivates you to make these changes
Have no idea what to make your goals? No problem! Your therapist will help you tap into your strengths and empower you to be your best self. Some general therapy goals include setting healthy boundaries with your friends and family, enhancing problem-solving skills, developing better coping strategies, increasing self-confidence, increasing self-awareness, and building your resilience.
10 Journal Prompts for Getting Started:
Of course, goal setting for your therapeutic journey should definitely be completed with your psychotherapist in your sessions! That said, here are some journal prompts for you to start considering as you start making your goals!
What do you believe that no longer serves you? What do you believe might be holding you back?
If I were unapologetically and truly myself, day in and day out, and if I fully accepted and loved myself, what would change for me moving forward?
How would my life be different if I stopped living so much in the past and/or worrying so much about the future?
What are 5 things that I love most in the world?
Who do I need to forgive, and why, and what’s stopping me from doing it today?
If I could talk to my teenage self, the one thing I would say is…
The words I need to hear right now are…
I really wish others knew this about me…
When I’m in pain — physical or emotional — the kindest thing I can do for myself is…
The words I’d like to live by are…
Get started with those journal prompts, and be sure to let me know how it goes!
If we haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet, I’m Natasha Batshon, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Nutritionist offering support both in-person in Toronto, and virtually across Ontario, Canada.
My practice can support you through anxiety, depression, stress management, low self-esteem, career and education stress, work/life balance, relationship issues, trauma healing, loss and grief, phobias, sleep or insomnia, mindfulness, or a loss of a sense of purpose. I’m multidisciplinary in my approach, meaning I don’t offer just one form of therapy. Instead, I like to combine the most beautiful elements of what each has to offer. Some of the therapeutic techniques I draw on are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Therapy.
Not sure if it’s right for you? Book a free consultation and we will get to know each other and assess if virtual therapy is right for you!
P.S. While I am a registered psychotherapist, please note that this blog post is for informational purposes, and does not contain specific psychotherapeutic advice. If you feel you need psychotherapeutic support, please contact me.