View in EDS

Developing Individualized Behavior Change Goals with Clients: A Procedure.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Developing Individualized Behavior Change Goals with Clients: A Procedure.
Authors: Weigel, Richard G., Uhlemann, Max R.
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 10
Publication Date: 1975
Document Type: Reports - Descriptive
Descriptors: Behavior Chaining, Behavior Change, Behavioral Objectives, Counseling Effectiveness, Individual Counseling, Participation, Performance Criteria, Psychotherapy, Speeches
Abstract: This document reviews 10 specific and sequential steps which have emerged as being particularly effective in assisting clients in developing individualized behavior change goals in psychotherapy. The therapist and client typically work through these steps together near the beginning of treatment, but only after the client has had the opportunity to ventilate the nature of his concern and to become aware of the therapist's involvement with him. The therapist introduces the task by explaining its nature and indicating that clients are often aided by the very act of expressing their concerns with a view toward specific behavioral change goals. Steps in the therapeutic process include setting of: (1) general goal; (2) behavior goal; (3) observable behavioral goal; (4) specific observable behavioral goal (limiting the scope of the behavior and designating the time, place, person, or context); (5) base rate; (6) criteria of failure; (7) reality check; (8) importance check; (9) contract; and (10) criteria for evaluation and renegotiation. Although the procedure was developed for individual behavior change, the same steps can be used effectively in group therapy. (Author/PC)
Notes: Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American College Personnel Association (50th, Atlanta, Georgia, March 1975)
Journal Code: RIEDEC1975
Entry Date: 19750101
Accession Number: ED109549
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This document reviews 10 specific and sequential steps which have emerged as being particularly effective in assisting clients in developing individualized behavior change goals in psychotherapy. The therapist and client typically work through these steps together near the beginning of treatment, but only after the client has had the opportunity to ventilate the nature of his concern and to become aware of the therapist's involvement with him. The therapist introduces the task by explaining its nature and indicating that clients are often aided by the very act of expressing their concerns with a view toward specific behavioral change goals. Steps in the therapeutic process include setting of: (1) general goal; (2) behavior goal; (3) observable behavioral goal; (4) specific observable behavioral goal (limiting the scope of the behavior and designating the time, place, person, or context); (5) base rate; (6) criteria of failure; (7) reality check; (8) importance check; (9) contract; and (10) criteria for evaluation and renegotiation. Although the procedure was developed for individual behavior change, the same steps can be used effectively in group therapy. (Author/PC)