How to Coach Yourself and Others Empowering Coaching And Crisis Interventions | Page 102

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So addressing these reluctance issues is a prerequisite for goal setting. When problems are complex and the
client’s capacity or self-esteem is low, setting short-term goals or subgoals is particularly useful. Short-term
goals represent small, attainable steps toward long-term goals. Achieving them helps build optimism and helps
clients overcome a sense of inadequacy (Pincus & Minahan, 1973).
Effective Goals Are “Owned” by Clients
Clients need to see goals as relevant to their needs and consistent with their values. Thus, when clients are
involved in the process of deciding what their goals are, they are more likely to be motivated to work toward
achieving them. Counsellors can suggest goals, as in the following example:
Evelyn was referred to the counsellor for help in coping with Trevor, her 18-year-old stepson, who was involved
in petty crime. Evelyn’s immediate goal was to encourage Trevor to move out of the house, and she hoped that
the counsellor might help her do this. During the interview it became apparent to the counsellor that Evelyn
needed help developing parenting skills for dealing with Trevor and her two other teenage stepsons.
Without dismissing Evelyn’s objective, the counsellor suggested that this be part of their agenda.
When clients are forced to come to counselling by a third party, they may not feel committed to any of the goals
of counselling. Thus, the chances of success are diminished greatly unless some mutually acceptable working
agreement can be reached.
Understanding a client’s values is an important part of goal setting. Some clients are motivated by spiritual
values, some by material gain, and others by family values. Other clients focus on immediate gratification, while
still others have objectives that are long-term.
Ming left his family in China to come to North America. He has seen his wife only once in the last five years,
when he returned to China for a short visit. He maintains regular contact with her and their six-year-old son. He
sends much of his monthly pay home to support his wife and extended family. Although he hopes that one day
his family will be able to join him, he has accepted that his purpose is to position future generations of his
family for a better life.
Sometimes clients