A constant emphasis we hear for any form of therapy is on achieving good outcomes. Is one approach better than the other? How do we, in the most efficient way, achieve the desired results?
In essence, what we aspire to do is predict the future course of events. It is worth taking a moment to savor what a difficult, yet crucial task that is. You must know two things to accomplish this
Where am I?
Where do I want to go?
Neither of these criteria is exactly easy in and of itself. Just figuring out where the client is presently requires a host of assessment challenges. And, while it is easy to think we all know where we want to go, that presents challenges as well. In essence, how will the client know they are better? But what criteria is this measured Once those reference points are established, the therapist has to create a plan to get from where we are to the desired goal. As with any such task, there are many possibilities. If I wanted to get from Dayton, OH to Chicago, there are many possible choices. At some point, one looks at the map and chooses a route. If you aren't exactly positive you are on the correct route, there is typically a sense of anxiety until you see a sign or familiar reference point that confirms you are on the right road. The same can be said of the therapy journey as well. What signs along the way point to being on the road to improvement?