Using SMART Goals in Counselling: A Therapist’s Guide to Egan’s Stage Two

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In the delicate dance of therapy, awareness is only the beginning. Real transformation happens when insight meets intention—and that’s where SMART goals shine.

As therapists, we often witness clients uncover deep truths in early sessions. But without a clear path forward, those revelations can feel overwhelming or even paralyzing. Enter Stage 2 of Egan’s Skilled Helper Model: the bridge between exploration and action.

🧭 Stage 2 of Egan’s Model: Clarifying What Clients Want

Gerard Egan’s model guides therapists through three stages:

Exploration (Stage 1) – What’s going on?
Clarification (Stage 2) – What do I want instead?
Action Planning (Stage 3) – How do I get there?

Stage 2 is all about helping clients define clear, meaningful goals. It’s the moment they shift from problem-saturated stories to possibility-focused futures. And SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—offer the perfect structure to support this shift.

✨ How to Use SMART Goals in Stage 2 Counselling

Here’s how therapists can integrate SMART goals into Stage 2 conversations:

Specific: Help clients articulate exactly what they want. Instead of “I want to feel better,” guide them toward “I want to reduce my anxiety during work meetings.”
Measurable: Define how progress will be tracked. “I’ll rate my anxiety before and after each meeting for two weeks.”
Achievable: Ensure the goal is realistic. “I’ll use breathing techniques and grounding exercises I’ve learned.”
Relevant: Align the goal with the client’s values and broader life context. “Feeling calmer at work helps me stay employed and support my family.”
Time-bound: Set a timeframe. “I’ll evaluate my progress after one month.”

This structure doesn’t just organize the client’s thoughts—it empowers them. It transforms vague hopes into actionable steps, fostering confidence and momentum.

💬 Emotional Impact: Why Clients Thrive with SMART Goals

Clients often feel stuck in the fog of their problems. SMART goals act like a lighthouse—offering direction, clarity, and a sense of control. They also:

Reduce overwhelm by breaking change into manageable steps
Build self-efficacy through measurable progress
Create accountability and motivation
Reinforce the therapeutic alliance through collaboration

🌱 Final Thoughts: Helping Clients Move Forward

Stage 2 is where therapy shifts from reflection to direction. By integrating SMART goals, therapists offer clients more than insight—they offer hope with a plan.

So next time a client says, “I just don’t know what to do,” you’ll know exactly how to help them find their way.

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Steven Lucas MBACP PNCPS (Accred) is a professional counselling psychotherapist working in Northamptonshire. Read Full Bio.

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Disclaimer:

I am not a doctor so this guide should not be considered a replacement for seeking medical advice. It is also not a substitute for obtaining therapy as other factors, such as trauma, need to be considered.

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