Collaborative Goal Setting with Clients — What Research Tells Us

Have you ever felt like you’re doing all the work when it comes to setting therapy goals? You define the objectives, outline the plan, and your client (or parent) simply nods along. But what if you could create goals with them — not for them?In this episode of MI for Change, Dr. Monica Gilbert explores how collaborative goal setting can transform engagement and outcomes in your sessions. Drawing from a fascinating single-case study by Kusheria et al., she breaks down how speech-language pathologists improved client-centered practice using Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques and the Electronic Goal Attainment Scaling (EGAS) tool.You’ll learn: ✅ How collaborative goal setting boosts buy-in and follow-through ✅ The impact of using OARS skills (open questions, affirmations, reflections, summaries) during goal setting ✅ What the research reveals about training, fidelity, and engagement ✅ Practical questions you can use to involve clients or parents in defining their own goals💬 “Better engagement leads to better follow-through.” When clients take ownership of their goals, change becomes not only possible — it becomes sustainable.Learn more about Motivational Interviewing and explore on-demand courses at www.drmonicagilbert.comJoin the MI Academy for practical training and resources — and enjoy an exclusive 15% off with code MIFORCHANGE at checkout.📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @drmonicagilbert