Goal Setting
Goal Setting is a fundamental process in therapy where practitioners work with clients to establish clear, achievable objectives for their treatment. It's similar to creating a roadmap for therapy, helping both the therapist and client track progress. This approach is used across different types of therapy, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and mental health counseling. When therapists mention goal setting in their resumes, they're referring to their ability to create structured treatment plans that have measurable outcomes. Other common terms for this include "treatment planning," "outcome planning," or "therapeutic objectives."
Examples in Resumes
Developed individualized Goal Setting strategies for a caseload of 30 patients
Implemented evidence-based Goal Setting techniques to improve therapy outcomes
Led weekly Goal Setting sessions with patients and their families to track treatment progress
Applied Treatment Goals and Therapeutic Objectives in alignment with insurance requirements
Typical job title: "Therapists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Therapists
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle complex cases where standard goal setting approaches aren't working?
Expected Answer: A senior therapist should discuss adapting goals based on patient needs, involving multiple stakeholders, and using evidence-based alternatives when traditional methods aren't effective.
Q: How do you train junior staff in effective goal setting techniques?
Expected Answer: Should explain mentoring approaches, demonstration of best practices, and methods for teaching others how to create measurable, achievable goals while maintaining patient engagement.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you involve families in the goal setting process?
Expected Answer: Should discuss strategies for family engagement, communication methods, and balancing patient needs with family input while maintaining therapeutic boundaries.
Q: Describe your process for modifying goals when progress isn't as expected.
Expected Answer: Should explain how they assess progress, make data-driven decisions, and adjust goals while maintaining patient motivation and insurance compliance.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What makes a good therapy goal?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and basic principles of creating realistic treatment objectives.
Q: How do you document goal progress?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of basic progress notes, outcome measures, and documentation requirements for insurance and regulatory compliance.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic goal writing using SMART criteria
- Simple progress tracking
- Standard documentation practices
- Basic patient communication
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex goal modification
- Family involvement strategies
- Insurance requirement compliance
- Progress evaluation methods
Senior (5+ years)
- Program development
- Staff training and mentoring
- Complex case management
- Quality improvement initiatives
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to write clear, measurable goals
- Lack of knowledge about insurance documentation requirements
- Poor understanding of progress tracking methods
- Inability to modify goals based on patient progress
- Limited experience with different goal setting approaches
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
How Collaborative Goal Setting Transforms Team Culture
Beyond the Resume: Cultivating a "Hire for Potential" Mindset in Management
Unlocking Team Potential: Personality Mapping for Dynamic Management
