How Can Interests Be Included in a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
When it comes to enhancing therapeutic outcomes, incorporating a client's personal interests can be a game-changer. We've gathered insights from top mental health professionals, including licensed psychologists and psychotherapists, on this topic. From personalizing treatment with client interests to aligning therapy with client passions, discover the four enriching strategies these experts recommend.
- Personalize Treatment with Client Interests
- Leverage Hobbies for Therapeutic Goals
- Promote Enjoyment for Better Mental Health
- Align Therapy with Client Passions
Personalize Treatment with Client Interests
Including a client's hobbies or interests into their treatment plan can make a big difference for a client. Rather than using a "one size fits all" method, personalizing a client's treatment plan with the unique things that bring them joy, comfort, or symbolize parts of their culture can increase their buy-in to the treatment, improve connection with the therapist/therapy, and help them feel like they have autonomy in their treatment. Including these things in treatment really helps me to understand and get to know my clients in a whole new way!
Leverage Hobbies for Therapeutic Goals
Pickleball can change your life. At least, it did for one of my clients who felt a need to connect with the community and relax outside of work. Therapy doesn't have to be just worksheets and standard treatment plans, and clients are more motivated to work towards therapeutic goals when they are able to enjoy the process toward growth. Does your client already actively engage in a hobby? Great! Let's get creative and find a way to incorporate it into the treatment plan because getting a new therapeutic skill off the ground can be tricky.
Typical roadblocks for change are rooted in new practices being scary and overwhelming. This gets bypassed completely when new skills or practices are incorporated into existing habits. Why create a whole new system if we can tap into one that is already established?
Promote Enjoyment for Better Mental Health
Incorporating a patient's hobbies and interests is important in the treatment plan. Doing things that one enjoys helps give one happiness and pleasure. If one does not enjoy life, then it leads to sadness and depression. Encouraging people to do things they enjoy can help improve one's mood and quality of life and is a necessary part of a treatment plan.
Align Therapy with Client Passions
To enhance therapy, mental health professionals can integrate clients' hobbies into their treatment plans. Starting with discussions about what clients enjoy helps build rapport and guides therapeutic goals. Incorporating these interests into therapy sessions, such as using related metaphors, makes the process more relevant and engaging. Tasks involving hobbies and group activities related to interests can also be used to manage stress and build social connections. This approach personalizes therapy, making it more effective by aligning with clients' passions.
