Some critical processes and domains
form the core for therapy with most
clients, strategies, timing, and priority
of goals must be modified to meet the
specific conditions of each case. While the basic task of most therapists is
to help clients to alter their behaviors,
emotions, thoughts and/or environmental settings, the specific goal state that is pursued will vary with the client's developmental and biological
history, her socio-cultural network and
her own goals and values. In selecting
treatment procedures from the vast
resources provided by different theories and schools of therapy, the therapist must meet three criteria: (1) strategies and goals must match the individual client's needs and abilities,
(2) they must fit the institutional context in which the treatment occurs,
and (3) they must suit the therapist'sown definition of her professional role and her personal convictions.