When it comes to therapy, especially for children and teenagers, the approach we take can make all the difference. One powerful way to enhance the therapeutic experience is by including children in the goal-setting process. No matter how old your child is, involving them in goal setting can increase their engagement in the therapy process, help them to take ownership over their own therapy journey and allow them to feel a sense of pride in their accomplishments. Even those children with less verbal language can be actively involved in goal setting when supported by tools such as visuals, visual rating scales and being provided with controlled choices.
Here’s why this practice is so important:
1. Empowerment
Involving children in goal setting empowers them and allows them to feel more in control and invested in their own progress. This sense of ownership can significantly boost their motivation and engagement.
2. Understanding Needs
Both children and teenagers have unique perspectives on their experiences. By including them in discussions about their goals, we gain valuable insights into what they feel is important and why. They also often have more awareness and understanding than we may at first think, and may be able to offer information that we were not aware of!
3. Skill Development
Setting goals together teaches children and young adults essential executive functioning skills, such as self-reflection, judging, decision-making, and problem-solving.
4. Building Trust
Involving children in goal setting can strengthen the therapeutic relationship by setting up an environment based on collaboration and trust.
5. Motivation
Finally, when children have a say in their goals, they are often more motivated to work toward achieving them. This intrinsic motivation can lead to better outcomes and a more positive therapy experience.
At Kids That Go Therapies we prioritise supporting children and their families to be active participants in goal setting. You will find that we regularly review goals and progress, and we prioritise setting goals in areas that are important to both the young person and their family.
We look forward to hearing you and your child’s insight into the goal setting process!
MEGAN WEST
Occupational Therapist.
