Briefly explain the purpose and function of goals.​

Answers may vary. While the stated goal is the desired end product, attainment of a goal is a process. It may be useful to imagine the process as being similar to going on a road trip. Using the analogy with individual clients, Point A, the starting point, is their priority concern. Point B, goal attainment, is the desired outcome. In essence, a goal guides the ongoing process of reaching a final destination point. Once goals are established, tasks or objectives represent the incremental action steps taken toward the desired outcome and within a designated time frame.​
In addition to facilitating the movement between the priority concern and goal attainment, setting goals also ensures that you and the client are in agreement, where possible, about outcomes to be achieved. Moreover, setting goals provides direction, focus, and continuity to the helping process and prevents wandering off course. It also facilitates the development and selection of appropriate strategies and interventions and assists you and the client in monitoring progress. In addition, it establishes the criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of a specific intervention and of the helping process.