On page four of The REBT Therapist’s Pocket Companion, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) practitioners are reminded of interests and goals. Whereas an interest may defined as the state of wanting to learn about something, a goal is the end toward which effort is directed.
REBT clinicians are encouraged to explore client interests without telling the people with whom we work what to think or believe, feel, or behave. For instance, suppose I’m providing clinical services to John Doe and he’s interested in reducing his level of reactivity regarding current events.
Because John’s employment duties require that he monitor various mockingbird media outlets, and quitting his job isn’t currently feasible, Mr. Doe would like to self-disturb less when exposed to the disinformation peddled by these sources. John has a desire not to upset himself though he doesn’t know how to structure his interest into an achievable objective.
Once his interest is apparent, some non-REBT psychotherapists may then invite John to consider a SMART goal. This involves examination of the aim by assessing whether or not it’s Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
I use SMART goals with some of my clients, as this approach aligns with what my late stepmom used to tell me—“Don’t nothin’ come to a dreamer, but a dream. The difference between a dream and a goal is that you can dream when you’re sleep. A goal is what you do when you’re awake.”
SMART goals provide a roadmap, of sorts, to achieving success for one’s aims. Still, it isn’t uncommon for a person to self-sabotage along the path towards an objective that stems from an interest.
This is why The REBT Therapist’s Pocket Companion’s encourages REBT practitioners to explore a client’s understanding about available options in conjunction with beliefs related to interests and goals. We then target the belief-consequence connection that impedes the path of a client’s progress.
Staying with John Doe’s example, suppose he’s interested in upsetting himself less when working and he’s able to structure a SMART goal regarding his desired outcome. However, over and over again, John disturbs himself when a propagandistic spin is applied to current events.
In relation to news stories, I would invite John to consider what he may rigidly demand of others and the world. We could also explore the possibility of Mr. Doe awfulizing about the information to which he exposes himself.
It’s also possible that John has unhelpfully convinced himself that he can’t stand the thought of news outlets misrepresenting truth. Because of his unproductive beliefs, Mr. Doe very well may conclude that all pundits, commentators, and journalist are shitty people.
These sorts of irrational beliefs can prevent successful goal attainment. Exploring these unfavorable beliefs with John, my role is to allow him to choose alternative beliefs which better serve his interests and goals.
The key to my function in John’s success is not to brainwash him, as described on page five of The REBT Therapist’s Pocket Companion. Each of my clients is an autonomous, self-determined individual and I have no interest in establishing a codependent relationship with any of them.
As an REBT psychotherapist, I invite my clients to think for themselves. As such, they have options of their own choosing in regards to how they feel (emotion and body sensation) and behave.
This includes the infrequent client who willfully chooses to disturb him- or herself. These people are free to do as they please. Ultimately, the interests and goals a person maintains are their own and my role is to help people along their path to success through encouragement of rational living.
If you’re looking for a provider who works to help you understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.
As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.
At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply helping you to feel better, I want to help you get better!
Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW
Photo credit (edited), fair use
References:
Boogaard, K. (2021, December 26). How to write SMART goals. Atlassian. Retrieved from https://www.atlassian.com/blog/productivity/how-to-write-smart-goals
Dryden, W. and Neenan, M. (2003). The REBT Therapist’s Pocket Companion. Albert Ellis Institute. ISBN 0-917476-26-3. Library of Congress Control Number: 20031044378
Freepik. (n.d.). Flat lay agenda with ideas [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/flat-lay-agenda-with-ideas_8199779.htm#query=interests%20goals&position=17&from_view=search&track=ais&uuid=6cd4b5c4-6cdb-46a2-891b-618a860b8f9f
Hollings, D. (2022, October 31). Demandingness. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/demandingness
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Hollings, D. (2023, September 8). Fair use. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/fair-use
Hollings, D. (2023, October 12). Get better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/get-better
Hollings, D. (2023, September 13). Global evaluations. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/global-evaluations
Hollings, D. (n.d.). Hollings Therapy, LLC [Official website]. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/
Hollings, D. (2022, November 8). Information overload. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/information-overload
Hollings, D. (2023, May 18). Irrational beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/irrational-beliefs
Hollings, D. (2023, September 19). Life coaching. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/life-coaching
Hollings, D. (2022, December 2). Low frustration tolerance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/low-frustration-tolerance
Hollings, D. (2023, October 19). Mockingbird media. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/mockingbird-media
Hollings, D. (2023, April 24). On truth. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-truth
Hollings, D. (2022, March 25). Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-emotive-behavior-therapy-rebt
Hollings, D. (2022, November 1). Self-disturbance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/self-disturbance
Hollings, D. (2022, December 1). Self-sabotage. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/self-sabotage
Hollings, D. (2022, December 25). The B-C connection. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-b-c-connection
Hollings, D. (2022, November 15). To don a hat. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/to-don-a-hat