How can DSPs best help a person living with mental illness to set and achieve goals?

Helping a person engage in things that interest them is crucial for setting and achieving goals, especially when working with individuals living with mental illness. This approach fosters intrinsic motivation, which is the driving force behind pursuing and attaining meaningful goals. When individuals are involved in activities that resonate with their interests, they are more likely to feel connected and invested in the process, enhancing their overall well-being and encouraging personal growth.

This method acknowledges the unique preferences and aspirations of the individual, allowing them to take an active role in their goal-setting process. This participation not only increases their engagement and commitment but also promotes a sense of agency and autonomy, which is vital for someone navigating the challenges of mental illness.

The other approaches, while they could have their benefits, do not effectively empower the individual in the same way. For instance, merely identifying areas for improvement might focus too much on deficits rather than fostering the person's strengths and passions. Similarly, seeking input from a guardian or family member might overlook the individual's voice in their own goal-setting. Setting all goals for the person can undermine their ability to make choices and can lead to a lack of motivation and autonomy, which is detrimental to their growth and mental health.