Why “Resolved” Matters: The Missing Goalposts in Therapy
- Piper Harris, APC NCC
- Aug 11
- 3 min read
Most therapy models encourage clients to set goals, but too often, those goals are vague.
“I want to feel better.”
“I want less anxiety.”
“I want to improve my relationships.”
While those statements point in a direction, they’re not a destination. Without a clear definition of what “resolved” means in your specific situation, therapy can drift indefinitely. And that drift isn’t harmless; it’s one of the hidden reasons people can end up in long-term counseling they don’t actually need.
The Problem with Vague Goals
Vague goals leave room for:
Shifting goalposts: Progress is made, but because “better” was never defined, it’s never “enough.”
Therapist-led dependence: Without measurable milestones, sessions can easily become about “checking in” rather than targeting change.
Loss of client agency: If the client doesn’t know the finish line, the therapist becomes the default driver of the process, sometimes without realizing it.
Why Defining “Resolved” Is Essential
When I begin work with a client, one of the first assignments I give is “What is Resolved?” This isn’t just a feel-good exercise; it’s foundational for treatment.
It sets guardrails: You know when you’ve reached your destination and when it’s time to wrap up or shift focus.
It increases efficiency: Sessions are targeted toward outcomes, not endless exploration.
It keeps therapy honest: Both therapist and client have a shared definition of success, making it harder for therapy to unintentionally drag on.
How to Know You’ve Hit Your Goals
Defining “resolved” isn’t just about words on paper at the beginning; it’s also about recognizing when you’ve crossed the finish line in real life. Some signs include:
You’re using your tools less because you don’t need them as often. When your coping strategies become second nature, you’re not “practicing” them anymore, you’re simply living them.
You walk into session and realize there’s no pressing problem. A common moment I see is when a client says, “Wow, I guess I just sat here and complained.” That’s a signal: you’re no longer here for targeted work, you’re here to fill the time.
The session drifts into rehashing instead of resolving. If the counselor redirects you away from venting into action, that’s a good thing, but if they just nod and let you run out the clock, it may be time to discuss whether you’ve already achieved what you came for.
These moments aren’t failures; they’re signs of success. They mean you’ve moved from active treatment into maintenance or closure territory.
The Hidden Issue No One Talks About
Some therapists avoid defining “resolved” because it creates an endpoint, and that can mean fewer billable sessions. While sometimes it's unintentional, this lack of clarity feeds into one of the industry’s quiet problems: therapy that extends far beyond what’s clinically necessary.
This doesn’t just impact your wallet; it can subtly foster dependence, eroding confidence in your own ability to manage life without a therapist in the passenger seat.
A Different Way Forward
Therapy should empower you to leave, not keep you tethered. By defining “resolved” from day one and paying attention to the moments that show you’ve already arrived, you can:
Work toward a clear destination.
Measure progress in real terms.
Step down, pause, or graduate from counseling with confidence.
The best therapy relationships are built on clarity, collaboration, and the shared understanding that the ultimate goal is your independence.
Ready to define your “resolved”?
If you’re tired of therapy without a clear finish line, it’s time to set the guardrails that get you where you want to go and help you know when you’ve arrived.
Let’s build your plan with a clear destination in mind.
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