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Motivation in Counseling for Faster Results

Tips for Motivation and Progress

Achieving any goal requires motivation and consistency. Motivation is easier when you have goals, know your role in counseling and your own well-being, and have the grit to progress.

Click this link for our 1-page handout for tips on motivation and consistency to get the most out of your counseling sessions! Consistency and Motivation Counseling Client Handout

Goals

Clients with a positive outlook who focus on their goals, rather than problems, tend to be more successful in counseling. Make sure your goals are realistic and plan your progress and goals with your counselor. Focusing on goals can help you build awareness of your choices and live with intent and purpose.

Only the CLIENT can MOTIVATE THEMSELVES.
The counselor can inspire, but the client must be willing to change.

Counselor’s Role

The counselor’s role is to guide the client and help them set and reach realistic goals. The counselor and client work together to identify goals and solutions to the client’s issues. In individual counseling as well as couples counseling and/or family counseling, the counselor serves as a neutral, non-judgmental guide.

For more information on what counseling is, check out our blog post “What is Counseling?”. Benefits of counseling and common misconceptions are included.

Client’s Role

Knowing your role and responsibilities in counseling and your own well-being can help you make the most of the guidance you receive. Taking charge of your life starts with becoming aware of your choices. That means being instead of reactive. Following your counselor’s advice for consistency, and acting with intent and purpose are the best ways to fulfill your role, reach your goals, and remain motivated. Stay on track with these tips:

  • Self-motivated: Only the client can motivate themselves. The counselor can inspire, but the client must be willing to change and “do the work” to make the change.
  • Be honest and open: Counselors are trained to help, not judge. Counselors are trained to help with might seem odd or shameful to you.
    • The counselor can’t help you with what you won’t discuss! Even if the counselor can “guess” the issue, the client needs to let the counselor know when they’re ready to work on an issue.
    • As part of training, counselors have also been clients. They know what it’s like to be on your side of a counseling session.
  • No excuses: Do not use your diagnosis as an excuse. Some identify with their diagnosis and use it as an excuse for not making necessary changes for progress.
    • Example: “I have anger issues, so my wife will have to get used to it.”

Grit

Keeping up with progress, even when doing so is difficult, is the definition of grit. Making changes can mean facing hard truths and revisiting painful moments. This is why a positive outlook and focusing on your goals, rather than problems, is crucial to reaching goals. Recognizing and appreciating your achievements can also help you develop the grit you need to succeed. Short term goals, “milestones”,  and mindful actions make progress (and grit) easier.

Motivation and consistency will get you faster results for the positive, permanent change you need!

If you’re ready to make your happiness a priority, contact CrossRoads at 317-842-8881 for expert counseling—to start living your best life.