How Therapy Can Help You Achieve Your Goals

While talk therapy can be a critical aspect of improving and maintaining mental health, it can also benefit those looking to achieve better personal and professional outcomes. A licensed therapist can be a valuable source of support, advice, and accountability as you chart a path and overcome obstacles in pursuit of your goals. 

How therapy can help you achieve your goals

There are numerous ways that therapy may help you achieve your goals, whether that be through habit formation, improved communication skills, enhanced self-esteem, or any other skills. In many cases, a licensed therapist can offer valuable guidance and evidence-based strategies for improving your situation and reaching your full potential. 

Seven ways therapy can help you achieve success

Therapy can be a powerful tool for supporting your success and helping you achieve your goals in various areas of life. From defining goals to learning to stay accountable, treatment may lead to improvement in several ways. 

1. Define clear and achievable therapy goals

There has been extensive research on the positive effects of setting goals: one of the major concepts in this area is Locke’s theory of goal setting, which suggests that setting specific, challenging goals can improve performance. Establishing what you want to achieve and defining specific benchmarks along the way may make your longer-term aspirations more attainable. A therapist can help you define clear, specific, achievable goals and help you break down larger aspirations into smaller, more manageable steps. This can be especially helpful if you have experienced difficulties maintaining progress in the past. 

For example, financial instability can often be associated with psychological distress. If financial worries are interfering with your mental health, a therapist may be able to help you identify ways to address these concerns. The methods they teach you may vary, but in this case, it would likely include budgeting or showing you how to find a different job. A therapist can also help you set clear and achievable goals to help you achieve that objective, such as applying to a pre-established number of jobs each week. 

2. Identify and challenge self-defeating thoughts

A therapist may also help you explore any unhelpful thoughts that may hinder your success. Many people find themselves engaging in negative self-talk, self-doubt, or self-sabotage. With a therapist, you can work through negative thoughts and challenge their validity. 

For example, a person who is applying to new jobs may find themselves experiencing thoughts of self-doubt and insecurity that make it difficult to believe in themselves during the application process. A therapist can help them challenge these negative beliefs and recognize their positive traits, which may lead to more success in finding a new job. 

3. Develop better habits for goal setting

Improving your habits can play a significant role in your ability to achieve your goals. A therapist can help you identify areas where you can change unhelpful patterns into positive habits that support your progress. They may help you explore any underlying reasons behind your current habits and address any barriers to change, as well as provide guidance on implementing routines that promote mental and physical health.

For example, someone who is extremely focused on achieving their professional goals may have difficulty creating a healthy work-life balance. This difficulty may manifest as poor sleep, little exercise, and high-stress levels. A therapist can help you better understand how your habits may impact your overall well-being and identify areas for improvement. This process can involve lifestyle changes aimed at bettering physical health, mindfulness, or relationships.

4. Improve relationships for better mental health

The quality of our relationships can impact our ability to achieve our personal and professional goals. Therapy can provide a safe space to explore and improve your interpersonal relationships. In sessions, your therapist can help you develop communication and conflict-resolution skills and learn how to connect more deeply with others. This guidance may be beneficial for strengthening your support network and maintaining healthy relationships.

For example, if you are experiencing an issue with a coworker, a therapist may offer guidance on effective communication skills and conflict management strategies. Therapy can also help you explore any ongoing patterns of conflict or difficulty in your interactions with others, which may offer insight into underlying dynamics. 

5. Overcome setbacks with the help of a therapist

Setbacks are a natural part of any journey toward success. Therapy can equip you with the coping skills and resilience needed to bounce back from setbacks. A therapist can assist you in reframing challenges as opportunities for growth, identifying lessons learned, and developing effective coping strategies.

A career setback, for example, may bring up feelings of disappointment, self-doubt, and uncertainty about the future. In such a situation, a therapist may encourage their client to process these emotions, address any negative thoughts or feelings they’re having toward themselves, and identify a path forward. 

6. Enhance self-esteem

A therapist can work with you to challenge negative self-talk, explore and overcome self-limiting beliefs, and cultivate self-compassion. 

For instance, a person who is feeling uncertain about their abilities or stuck in their professional life may benefit from the support and encouragement of a therapist. Therapy may help them identify their positive attributes, recognize their potential, and pursue new opportunities with renewed confidence and determination.

7. Stay accountable: How therapy can help you achieve your goals

Accountability can be another helpful piece for attaining goals. Therapy can provide the necessary support and accountability to help keep you on track. Your therapist can help you establish regular check-ins, create action plans, and monitor progress toward your goals. Having someone hold you accountable to your goals may help you stay motivated, maintain focus, and celebrate achievements along the way.

Staying accountable with therapy goals

Regular therapy sessions can be a powerful tool for staying accountable to your goals. Through regular sessions, you can reflect on your progress, discuss any challenges or barriers you may be facing, and receive guidance on overcoming them. Your therapist can help you set realistic milestones, track your progress, and adjust your strategies as needed. 

Types of therapy for success and setting goals

There are several types of therapy that can be beneficial for those seeking success in various areas of their lives. Different therapists may use different approaches depending on an individual’s needs, situation, and goals, but below are some common types of therapy that may be useful for supporting personal growth: 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used therapy approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It can help individuals challenge self-limiting beliefs, develop positive thinking patterns, and learn effective problem-solving skills. CBT can be particularly helpful in addressing concerns such as performance anxiety, perfectionism, and self-sabotaging behaviors that may hinder success.

Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) and setting goals

Solution-focused brief therapy is a goal-oriented therapy that emphasizes identifying solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Therapists using this approach can help individuals envision their desired future and explore their strengths and resources to work towards achieving those self-determined goals. SFBT can be useful in clarifying objectives, creating action plans, and maintaining focus on the steps needed to achieve success.

Psychodynamic therapy

Psychodynamic therapy explores the influence of past experiences, unresolved conflicts, and unconscious processes on present behaviors. By delving into the underlying causes of emotional patterns and behaviors, individuals can gain insight into themselves and make conscious choices that support their success and align with their goals. 

Finding a therapist

To find a therapist who can help you as you work toward your goals, you can search for a local therapist near you for in-person sessions, or you can connect with a licensed therapist online through a platform such as BetterHelp.

Benefits of online therapy for mental health

If you are busy trying to accomplish an array of personal and professional goals, it may feel challenging to make time for something like therapy on a regular basis. But with online therapy, you can connect with a licensed therapist wherever is most convenient for you, eliminating the need for a commute, which may make it easier to fit into hectic schedules. 

The effectiveness of online therapy in goal setting

Plus, research has demonstrated the effectiveness of online therapy for a wide range of concerns, including those relevant to success and achieving goals, such as self-esteem. For instance, one such study published in Psychiatry Research found that internet-based interventions were effective in improving self-esteem and empowerment.