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From: Lynne Shields
Date: 11 Oct 2010
Time: 22:23:10 -0500
Remote Name: 76.215.118.209
Thanks for reading my nugget and for your good question. Before beginning to change goals, I would first explore the reasons for lack of progress. There could be a number of reasons. Some examples might be, 1) the goals that have been addressed in therapy are not matched with the client's personal goals, 2) the goals are of interest to the client, but the treatment method(s) being used to address them are not well-suited to the client, 3) the goals are of interest, but the level at which therapy is directed is too far above the current level of comfort or skill for the client, or 4) the client is satisfied with the progress made and isn't motivated to go further at the present time. If no progress is being observed, then I would say some changes are in order, but the nature of that change depends on the reasons for the lack of progress. One possible change, aside from modifying goals/methods/level, could be to discontinue therapy, as well. It isn't necessarily always in the client's best interest to forge ahead in therapy, particularly if the reason for lack of progress is that the client is really satisfied with how far they've progressed. For some younger clients, there is nothing quite so refreshing as to be allowed to have a period free of therapy--especially for kids who have been in therapy continually for some time. A careful evaluation of the client's (and/or family's) feelings and perceptions about treatment is the best place I know to begin. Best regards, Lynne