Topic > Identifying Therapeutic Goals - 889

The behavioral therapist is likely to work with a client to identify therapeutic goals through several means. Identifying therapeutic goals is one of his top priorities because only then can he truly get to work helping his client. He has his purpose in mind: to work through a systematic process to help his client to the best of his ability. The behavioral therapist has confidence that behavioral therapy models have been tried and tested. Understands that his or her focus is on the client's current problems, specific goals, and treatment plan. When the behavioral therapist works through his functional assessment, or behavioral analysis, he strives to systematically discover all the parts and elements of a problem. First, work with your client to identify the antecedent or all the things happening leading up to the behavior(s). Next, listen and help the client identify the behavior(s) as clearly as possible. Finally, he and the client reflect on the consequences or events that follow the behavior. This series may repeat several times as the therapist and client flesh out the details including all the items, people, and environments involved. The behavioral therapist pays close attention and uses active listening when with his client. He is not so much interested in the history of behavior as in what is happening now. He observes his client for nonverbal cues, inflections in voice or tone, his mannerisms, and any other nuances that might be helpful in identifying all aspects of the problem. The behavioral therapist uses many interview techniques such as summarization, reflection, clarification and open-ended questions. His intent is not to torment the client, but to convince him completely... middle of paper... Standards of Ethical Practice, Section A: The Consulting Relationship, A.1. Well-being of those assisted by rehabilitation consultants, b. Rehabilitation Plans and Counseling reads: “Rehabilitation counselors and clients work jointly in developing and reviewing integrated, individual and mutually agreed upon rehabilitation and counseling plans that offer reasonable promise of success and are consistent with ability and circumstances of customers. Rehabilitation counselors and clients regularly review rehabilitation and counseling plans to evaluate feasibility and ongoing effectiveness.” This code demonstrates the high standards that rehabilitation counselors place in helping their clients. Whether clients are humans struggling to manage maladaptive behaviors or dogs training to assist people with disabilities, the efforts are good, true, and worth their time and effort..