monique@modernchangenc.com | 919-576-0084
  • Behance
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
Make an Appointment: monique@modernchangenc.com | 919-576-0084
  • Home
  • About
    • Meet Monique
    • Meet Luisa
    • Meet Geoff
    • Updated COVID-19 Response for Therapy
    • Employment at Modern Change
  • Services
    • Adolescents and Teens
    • Brainspotting
      • What To Expect in a Brainspotting Therapy Session
    • Family Counseling
    • Individual Therapy
      • Counseling for Anxiety
      • Help for Friends & Family of Addicts
      • Trauma Therapy
      • Mindfulness-Based Therapy
      • Therapy for Depression
    • LGBT Affirming Therapy
    • Life Changes & Transitions
      • Counseling for New Mothers
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
    • Relationships
      • PreMarital Counseling
    • Substance Use Help
    • Clinical Supervision
    • Teletherapy
  • Getting Started
    • Client Portal
    • Modern Change Therapy FAQs
    • Practice Policies & Privacy Information
    • Rates and Insurance
  • Resources
    • FREE Tips and Tools
    • Books
    • Mental Health Links
    • NC Hopeline
    • Physical Health Links
    • Treatment Search
    • Video Resources
  • Contact
  • Blog
logo

P: 919-576-0084 | F: 919-797-9922 monique@modernchangenc.com

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
Close menu
  • Home
  • About
    • Meet Monique
    • Meet Luisa
    • Meet Geoff
    • Updated COVID-19 Response for Therapy
    • Employment at Modern Change
  • Services
    • Adolescents and Teens
    • Brainspotting
      • What To Expect in a Brainspotting Therapy Session
    • Family Counseling
    • Individual Therapy
      • Counseling for Anxiety
      • Help for Friends & Family of Addicts
      • Trauma Therapy
      • Mindfulness-Based Therapy
      • Therapy for Depression
    • LGBT Affirming Therapy
    • Life Changes & Transitions
      • Counseling for New Mothers
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
    • Relationships
      • PreMarital Counseling
    • Substance Use Help
    • Clinical Supervision
    • Teletherapy
  • Getting Started
    • Client Portal
    • Modern Change Therapy FAQs
    • Practice Policies & Privacy Information
    • Rates and Insurance
  • Resources
    • FREE Tips and Tools
    • Books
    • Mental Health Links
    • NC Hopeline
    • Physical Health Links
    • Treatment Search
    • Video Resources
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
919-576-0084

monique@modernchangenc.com

Change is possible. Find out how. Schedule your first session.

Change Starts Here

How Counseling Can Help You Reach Your Goals in the New Year

January 24, 2021 by Monique Porter Leave a Comment

counseling for goals Durham, NC 27707

If you struggle to set goals, let alone reach them, you are definitely not alone. In fact, it is thought that roughly 92% of the population has found it hard to stick to goals. This constant cycle of trying to set beneficial life or health goals, but never quite reaching them, can ultimately lead to depression.

That’s because reaching goals is empowering and helps us feel we are in charge of our life. When we don’t reach goals, we feel powerless and even hopeless that our lives can change for the better!

white ceramic mug with coffee on top of a planner

How Counseling Can Help

Just as you must follow a recipe to the proverbial “T” to end up with something edible, there is a formula that must be followed to the “T” to set reachable goals. This formula is often used in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help individuals set and reach goals that will help them change behaviors and better their lives.

Goal setting has actually been shown to be a useful tool for those suffering from depression according to a study published in the journal PLOS ONE. The study found that individuals suffering from depression had more trouble setting goals and were far less likely to believe they could reach them.

The study found that those who were depressed had more difficulties setting goals and they were also less likely to believe they would achieve those goals. The participants also tended to set avoidance goals rather than approach goals.

Finding Your Motivation

An avoidance goal is one you set to avoid a negative outcome. “I want to lose weight so I don’t develop type 2 diabetes.” An approach goal, on the other hand, is one that you set to ensure a positive outcome. “I want to lose weight to have more energy!”

The study shows that counseling can help people with depression set and achieve realistic and achievable goals as well as help them stay on track mentally in pursuit of that goal.

The goal-setting formula used by most CBT therapists is as follows:

  • Identify your goal.
  • Choose a starting point.
  • Identify the steps required to achieve the goal.
  • Take that first step and get started.

Counseling can help you with each one of these steps. From ensuring you select realistic goals that are attainable, to helping you identify where you are in relation to your goal, breaking down the goal into smaller, actionable steps, and helping you take that very first one, a therapist will be in your corner, helping you every step of the way.

Make 2021 the year you reach those goals that will help you live your best life. If you’d like some help getting there, please get in touch with us. We’d be more than happy to discuss how we may be able to help.

SOURCES:

  • https://positivepsychology.com/goal-setting-counseling-therapy/
  • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/notes-self/201308/how-set-goals
  • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/functioning-flourishing/201706/are-you-setting-the-right-goals

If you are struggling to set attainable goals, speaking with a counselor can help. If you or a loved one is interested in exploring therapy, please contact us today. We would be happy to speak with you about how we may be able to help.

Modern Change provides counseling to help you reach your goals based in Durham, NC.

Contact Today

Sign up to get blog posts straight to your inbox:

* indicates required



Filed Under: General

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

1812 Chapel Hill Rd.
Durham, NC 27707

P: 919-576-0084
F: 919-797-9922
monique@modernchangenc.com

By submitting this form via this web portal, you acknowledge and accept the risks of communicating your health information via this unencrypted email and electronic messaging and wish to continue despite those risks. By clicking "Yes, I want to submit this form" you agree to hold Brighter Vision harmless for unauthorized use, disclosure, or access of your protected health information sent via this electronic means.

Ready to Book?

Schedule your appointment today through my online portal.

*Please note a credit card is required to secure your appointment slot.

Office Hours

Monday – Thursday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Weekend: By Appointment

Proud Member of TherapyDen

Contact Information

1812 Chapel Hill Rd.
Durham, NC 27707

P: 919-576-0084
F: 919-797-9922
monique@modernchangenc.com

Privacy Policy


A Therapist Website by Brighter Vision