In the world of healthcare and mental health, the collaborative approach between clinicians and clients has gained the highest importance and significance. It’s a powerful partnership that can make or break the success of any treatment plan. The fundamental question that arises is: How do you effectively collaborate with clients on treatment goals?
In this article, we delve into the insights and expertise of our clinicians, who have dedicated their careers to helping clients achieve their treatment goals. We’ll explore the strategies, principles, and experiences that have proven to be instrumental in fostering a strong partnership between clinicians and clients.
Angela “Angie” Rajchel, LPC- IT, emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach:
“In my years of practice, I’ve found that active collaboration with clients is key to successful treatment outcomes. It’s not just about prescribing a plan; it’s about creating a shared vision for their journey to wellness.”
Alison Foito, LPC, shares her approach to collaborating with clients on treatment goals:
“I am Alison and when discussing treatment goals with the clients I work with, I ask them straight out what their specific goals are for therapy. I also make suggestions on other goals to consider from what I heard them mention from our discussions. We then discuss those goals and dive deeper into what they are hoping to achieve in therapy. I want my clients to feel empowered.”
Karen M. Seif, LCSW, LICSW, offers a unique perspective on treatment planning:
“No matter how many times it’s been explained to me, I still can’t tell you the difference between a goal and an objective. The structure of traditional, written treatment plans has never been conducive to how my brain works. I think in more fluid and metaphorical ways. So unless a client specifically requests one, or an insurance company requires it, I typically use a more nuanced approach, thinking of a treatment plan as the foundation of a house on which the therapy relationship is built.
A treatment plan is like a guardian angel ‘character’ in a story, keeping its eye on the process of therapy, ensuring that we don’t go too far adrift, but are always adapting. It’s the composite of themes which become woven into the fabric of conversation. Like Clarence in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ it looks out for the best interests of the client, understanding the client’s needs intuitively.
What this means practically is that even when clients worry that they’ve gotten off track, I’m always working within a larger framework, making connections between sessions, asking for feedback, and encouraging reflections on progress.
Before a client begins working with me, they fill out an online questionnaire, which helps them articulate their hopes for therapy. This is an essential part of the process, and a perfect starting point for an initial conversation about how we can work together with an eye on the future.
Treatment planning is sometimes lofty, sometimes realistic, often in tune, periodically cacophonous – but always adjusting to the unexpected twists and turns where life takes us. If you’ve seen ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ you know that Clarence is humble, creative, kind, and generous, with the best of intentions. Clarence’s goal (or objective?) is to help George Bailey achieve his potential and be his best self. Treatment planning is a collaborative building process in which the client brings the raw materials, but I provide the design and supply the tools.”
In the world of mental health, collaboration is the cornerstone of successful treatment. It’s not just about therapists prescribing solutions; it’s about therapists and clients working together to shape a shared vision of healing. As Angie Rajchel wisely notes, it’s about creating that shared journey to wellness.
Alison Foito, with her client-centric approach, emphasizes the importance of empowering clients. The collaborative process begins with a simple question: What are your goals for therapy? By actively involving clients in goal-setting, therapists like Alison ensure that the treatment plan aligns with the client’s aspirations.
Then there’s Karen M. Seif, whose unconventional perspective on treatment planning challenges traditional structures. She thinks in fluid and metaphorical ways, viewing a treatment plan as the foundation upon which the therapy relationship is built. It’s not a rigid document; it’s more like a guardian angel, watching over the therapeutic process.
Karen’s approach encourages adaptability and flexibility, allowing for those unexpected twists and turns in life. Her mention of Clarence from ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ beautifully captures the essence of treatment planning as a humble, creative, and kind process aimed at helping clients achieve their potential.
In conclusion, collaboration between clinicians and clients is not just a buzzword; it’s the heart of effective mental health treatment. Angie, Alison, and Karen offer unique insights into how therapists can create meaningful partnerships with their clients, empowering them on their journeys to wellness. It’s a reminder that in the world of mental health, success is not defined solely by the therapist’s expertise but by the strength of the collaborative bond they share with their clients.