Terapimål

Terapimål is a term used in several Scandinavian languages to refer to the objectives or goals established for a course of therapy. It describes the intended changes or outcomes that a client and a professional aim to achieve through treatment, rehabilitation, or other therapeutic interventions. Terapimål are typically defined at the start of a treatment period and revisited as work progresses.

The purpose of terapimål is to guide planning, measure progress, and facilitate clear communication among clients, therapists, and other care providers. Good terapimål are client-centered and meaningful to the person receiving care. They help focus activities, allocate resources, and support motivation by linking therapeutic work to everyday functioning and quality of life. Goals are often designed to be realistic, observable, and time-bound, allowing for regular review and adjustment.

In practice, terapimål are usually developed collaboratively. The process may involve an initial assessment, discussion of the client’s priorities and values, and the use of structured frameworks such as SMART criteria (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound). Goals may be short-term (up to a few weeks) or long-term (weeks or months), and they can target different domains such as symptoms, skills, daily functioning, or participation in meaningful activities. Therapies may include mental health treatment, physical rehabilitation, speech or occupational therapy, and social or educational support.

Documentation and monitoring are integral to terapimål. Progress is typically recorded in progress notes and shared with the client, enabling adjustments to the treatment plan as needed. The concept emphasizes collaboration, adaptability, and a person-centered approach to care.