How Do You Measure Progress in Therapy
Therapy is a a wonderful way to work on yourself. But how do you measure progress in therapy? And why is it important to do so? I often get asked by clients who are starting therapy: how do you track progress with clients? The answers that I provide below are personal and general. Different therapists may have other ways of tracking, but the ways below are both ways I track or generally track.
Many clients want to know if they are progressing and improving to get the most out of therapy sessions. You may have heard before that healing isn't a linear process, and each clinician may have different modalities and treatment plans. As a therapist who helps clients with trauma, progress may look different than, let's say, someone who is working on test anxiety. Both are reasons to seek counseling; however, progress and treatment plans will differ.
Why Is Measuring Progress Important in Therapy?
Tracking Improvement
When starting therapy, your therapist typically gives you a treatment plan depending on the issue you seek counseling for. Starting therapy involves setting goals and working toward those goals. For instance, let's say you're starting therapy to work on your social anxiety. Your goal in treatment might be to increase social skills, build a supportive social network, and boost your confidence. In therapy, your therapeutic plan will be to work toward these goals each session and in between with homework (if you prefer not to have homework, that can be discussed with your therapist). Many therapists give worksheets or homework after sessions to work on issues between sessions. Since clients usually see their therapist once or every other week, doing homework or exercises in-between can enhance your progress.
Identifying What Works
As a counselor, I use an eclectic approach. One modality won't work for someone and may work wonders with another client. That is why I use both traditional and non-traditional approaches. For instance, many clients who are creative may benefit from and enjoy narrative therapy, while others may be more drawn to cognitive behavioral therapy. A client who excels with internal family systems while working through childhood trauma may not be best suited for strictly cognitive behavioral therapy. By identifying what a client needs, a therapist can measure progress by gaining an understanding of what works and what doesn't work for a client. At Sagebrush Counseling, we create therapeutic relationships built on safety and trust with clients and have feedback on a client's progress with the modalities we use. If a client wants to switch gears, that is where the collaborative approach comes into play and is highly encouraged as part of the therapeutic relationship.
Creating Realistic Treatment Plans
Have you ever set a goal for yourself that just wasn't within reach? That can be overwhelming to most and not usually the best way to set goals. Therapy goals may be big or small, but we will break down the larger goals into smaller ones to make them manageable and doable! By doing this, you will see change with realistic goals, and your progress unfolds as you meet your goals.
How Is Progress Measured in Therapy?
Goal-Setting
You will set goals in therapy, and we can do this collaboratively. Some clients come in knowing exactly what goals they want to set, while others want some feedback on where to start and what goals are appropriate for them where they are. I will meet you exactly where you are and help you work on the goals with an approach that works for you and your needs.
Assessments and Questionnaires
Assessments and questionnaires are another way to measure progress in therapy. The PHQ-9, which measures depression, is an example of an assessment. Another example is the Prepare/Enrich assessment I often use in Premarital or Couples Counseling. These can be used at the beginning of treatment to establish a baseline and then again at regular intervals to track progress.
These assessments can cover various areas, such as mental health symptoms, social skills, and daily functioning. Assessments are an objective way to track progress and can be beneficial when collecting data over time.
Observations and Feedback
As I mentioned, therapy is a collaborative approach, and that is why feedback is not only welcomed but encouraged. One of the many reasons for having a solid relationship with your counselor is that you must establish a baseline of trust and safety for the therapy to be effective. By establishing this baseline of trust, giving feedback is a lot easier. As your therapist, I will do check-ins to see how you're doing and progressing. By providing feedback, we will work together to see what is working and what isn't working.
How Are Treatment Plans Created in Therapy?
Collaborative Approach
I can't stress enough how important it is to have a collaborative approach. We will work together on a treatment plan that works for you.
Individualized Plans
Every client is unique, even if you're coming to therapy for the same reason. However, when creating a treatment plan, we will consider the client's strengths, challenges, and goals.
For example, an adult who was recently diagnosed with autism may have a treatment plan that focuses on improving social skills and communication. In contrast, an adult with ADHD may have a plan that focuses on managing impulsivity and improving attention at work.
Evidence-Based Practices
At Sagebrush Counseling, we stay updated on the latest research and incorporate evidence-based practices into our treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients. We use both traditional and non-traditional approaches to best suit the client.
Who Is Responsible for Measuring Progress in Therapy?
As mentioned above, progress tracking is a collaborative approach. The client and therapist are responsible for tracking progress. The therapist is responsible for setting goals, tracking progress, and adjusting the treatment plan.
The client is responsible for actively participating in therapy, providing feedback, and working towards their goals. Remember that therapy only works for those who show up and put in effort. Working together will ensure that progress is being measured and the therapy journey is successful.
Ready to Start Therapy?
If you're ready to start therapy and want to work toward a better and more fulfilling life, you're in the right place. Here at Sagebrush Counseling, we will help you by working collaboratively and building a safe and trustworthy environment for you to grow and thrive in. Schedule a virtual counseling session today and start working toward the life you deserve to live.
