Abstract

Drawing together motivational theory, research-based evidence and guidance for best practice, this book presents innovative models for goal-setting and goal pursuit in therapy with children.

Setting goals not only allows children, and their families, to engage with the overall therapeutic process, but it also provides an essential motivational element throughout the entire therapeutic process. The editors and contributors give practical advice on empathically collaborating with the child and his or her family, to clearly identify achievable goals that can be wholeheartedly pursued. Key information on Self-Determination Theory (SDT) is accessibly explained, which will aid professional understanding of the relationship between motivation, goal-setting, and strong therapeutic practice. The approaches in this book can be used by a wide range of professionals, including those who specialise in working with children with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, and emotional and behavioural difficulties.

The combination of theory, research and practical advice makes this book an essential resource for professionals working therapeutically with children, including occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, counsellors, psychologists, social workers, arts therapists and psychotherapists.

A thought provoking book which supports the present values reflected in pupil centred planning in the new SEND code of practice.
Educational Psychology in Practice
Therapy goals are best achieved if children are intrinsically motivated to act. Meaningful engagement is optimized by control and choice (autonomy), connection and collaboration (relatedness), and capability and confidence (competence). This articulate and informative text provides a superb synthesis of the principles of goal-setting and motivation, which are critical ingredients to a child's personal growth, participation and mastery.
Annette Majnemer, Director and Associate Dean, School of Physical & Occupational Therapy, McGill University
This internationally-authored book, edited by Australian experts in the field, Poulsen, Ziviani and Cuskelly, masterfully brings together the concepts of self-determination, autonomy, relatedness, competence, motivation and family-centred care, to form a comprehensive evidence-informed guide on goal setting for pediatric rehabilitation and beyond. A highly engaging read illustrated by widely applicable scenarios and linked to goal setting resources that will allow the reader to take the next steps with the families with whom they work. A must read for novice and expert clinicians alike, and an ideal resource to include in health care professional training and orientation of new staff in pediatric settings.
Virginia Wright, Chair in Paediatric Rehabilitation, Bloorview Children’s Hospital Foundation, Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto
Do we really need a book on writing goals? YES, YES, and YES! We have been educating students and therapists for decades on how to collaboratively develop meaningful goals and therapists continue to tell us how challenging the process is for them. Finally, a book that blends the theoretical and practical perspectives to guide therapists in engaging children and families and supporting their autonomy, relatedness, and competence. A must read - an impressive book that is comprehensive, with the depth and rigor the topic deserves, but at the same time is written in a useful format that empowers therapists and provides them with the tools they need to engage children and families in setting and supporting the goals that are meaningful to them.
Lisa A.Chiarello, PT, PhD, PCS, FAPTA, Professor, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Drexel University
The essays collected in this volume helpfully guide professionals to be better able to support these basic needs, articulating in practical terms the component skills and attitudes required to facilitate children's Autonomy, Relatedness and Competence in treatment settings. Building on strong empirical findings and an increasingly rich clinical literature in SDT and related approaches, these chapters provide steady scaffoldings on which practitioners' competence and creativity can ascend.
from the foreword by Richard M. Ryan, Institute for Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University
As an ancient Chinese saying goes, "A good beginning is half the success". Goal setting and motivation lay the foundation for effective therapy. While goal setting appears to be deceptively simple, it is surprisingly challenging for many to do well. This book provides therapists with inspirations and practical strategies to set goals that are instrumental for successful therapy. A wonderful book that comprehensively addresses the art and science of goal setting!
Dr May Lim, OT, PhD, GCertHigherEd, Assistant Professor, Deputy Programme Director, Academic Programmes Deputy Director, Centre for Learning Environment and Assessment Development (Co-LEAD), Singapore Institute of Technology