Goal setting for mental health

I use goal setting in my therapy practice, so that clients and I can make sure we cover what matters. So what are mental health goals? And how could they help you?

The mental health goals I use tend to cover 3 areas: Event Processing, Habit Building, and Lifestyle Change. Each of these could be helpful for you to consider if you’re feeling stuck or drained.

🔄 Event processing:

This is an event, or repeated event, which has caused you lasting pain, stress or anxiety. It’s something that sits around for you, that you find yourself remembering at odd moments, and it influences how you see yourself, others, or the world. It might have affected your sense of safety, your relationship or career choices. 

Processing this event might be helpful for you to be able to hold it more comfortably. Understanding what happened and how it affected you can help release shame and pain from the memory. It can also help you notice when it’s too heavily affecting your choices, and this can help you find new options.

💡 Is there stuff sitting with you, that you feel you need to process? Have a think about how and where you could work on this goal - therapy, journalling, spiritual practices? Take it gently and see what you need.

🧱 Habit building:

This can unlock a huge amount when your mental health is low. Whether it’s affirmations, seeing friends or brushing your teeth - small habits can make all the difference to your self esteem and mood. What we do each day communicates a lot to our sense of self, so building one new habit can have a big effect.

💡 What feels like a regular habit that you’d like to build? Could you start tiny, and work your way up? Or would it help to work on it with a friend, coach or therapist?

🌱 Lifestyle change:

Maybe it’s leaving a difficult partner. Maybe it’s setting boundaries with a parent. Maybe it’s switching career. Something that’s feeling stuck, draining your energy or making you feel bad about yourself. Think about what would happen if that thing were to change - how would you feel? What would be different?

💡 What could you change? What are the first steps to get there? Can you work on it alone, or would you like support from a group, therapist or mentor?

I hope these were interesting to consider on your mental health journey. If you’re feeling stuck or you have things you want to work on, maybe I could help. I’m a therapist and I can help you work on things that matter to you, process the past, and consider change. I offer a free 15 minute intro where you can see if I’m the right practitioner for you. You can find me at cosytherapy.com

✨Warmth and wishes,✨

April

Cosy Therapy