Through the collaboration that is occurring with the client, he or she will tell you if they are ready to 鈥渢est the waters鈥� and actually begin discussing what the change will look like and how it will happen.
Again, if the client is ready, ask how he or she plans to move forward on the specific topic:
鈥淚t sounds like you may be ready to change/address [chosen topic]. Can you tell me more about how this will work or what it will look like for you?鈥�
Summarize the ideas presented, and discuss what the client will work on between this session and the next:
鈥淏etween now and our next visit, you have decided that you are going to try to _____ and _____. 聽Is that correct?
Steps to making the plan SMART and more sustainable include the following:
Specific (formulate the plan in terms of actions)
Measureable (something you could assess at the next session)
Attainable (is it realistic to achieve before the next session?)
Relevant (is the goal relevant to the client鈥檚 situation?)
Time Bound (set dates for specific actions)
