Good therapy always has implicit or explicit goals which guide it. Poor therapy is generally characterized by one of two problems surrounding treatment goals. Some therapists may have no goals, and think that listening is enough. (Especially those who think that is all that Rogers did.) On the other hand, some therapists try to force their ideas on their clients, without making sure that they share the same goals and values. As a result, client and therapist are likely to be at odds, working in different directions.

Generally treatment plans have four parts:

• identified problems,

• goals for treatment,

• methods of achieving these goals; and

• estimated time to meet this goal.

We will only look at the first two now.

Treatment plans are usually developed in consultation with the client. Such plans form a contract for future work together and may be modified with the client periodically. Jointly considered treatment goals increase the probability that you will both "go in the same direction." They are also empowering for many clients.

The following is an example of part of a treatment plan for Josef. Josef has a history of being emotionally abused by family members, especially after they were sexually intimate. Among other problems, he has difficulty trusting others when they get close to him. The first problem addressed in his treatment plan might look like this:

Identified problems