SMART GOALS REFLECTION- Psychotherapy
Use the five SMART goals listed below to Write a reflection paper following APA format and consisting of 750-850words in length.
Use the following questions to guide your response:
- What were you expecting from the experience before you started?
- Why were you expecting this?
- Why did you choose this goal?
- Did you learn anything about a different group in society (i.e., different age, profession, ethnic, racial or socio-economic group)? What did you learn?
- What is the most valuable experience you acquired?
- What impact did the experience have on your everyday life?
- What did you learn that was directly related to your course objectives?
SMART Goal #1 – Develop Proficiency in Conducting Initial Psychiatric
Evaluations
• Specific: As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) student, the goal
is to conduct at least 10 comprehensive psychiatric evaluations under the supervision
of a licensed provider during this clinical term. This will occur in an outpatient mental
health clinic setting. The aim is to refine diagnostic skills, history-taking, and mental
status examination based on DSM-5-TR guidelines .
• Measurable: Success is measured by completing 10 evaluations and receiving feedback
from the preceptor on each.
• Achievable: This is attainable given that patients are seen daily and there is structured
supervision.
• Relevant: This aligns with course objectives and builds critical foundational skills for
psychotherapy practice.
• Timely: This will be accomplished by the end of the 6-week term.
SMART Goal #2 – Master the Use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
(CBT) Techniques
• Specific: Learn and apply basic CBT techniques with at least five patients diagnosed
with anxiety or depression. These techniques include cognitive restructuring, behavioral
activation, and thought records
• Measurable: Maintain documentation of at least five CBT-focused sessions with patient
response notes.
• Achievable: This is realistic as CBT is a common modality used in clinical practice, and
the clinic serves patients with related diagnoses.
• Relevant: CBT is evidence-based and widely used in PMHNP psychotherapy
• Timely: Goal will be achieved by week 6 of the term.
SMART Goal #3 – Increase Confidence in Managing
Transference and Countertransference
Specific: Actively identify, reflect upon, and discuss instances of transference and
countertransference in at least five supervision sessions during the clinical rotation.
• Measurable: Maintain a reflective journal and supervisor feedback notes as evidence.
• Achievable: Possible because of consistent preceptor supervision and training that
focuses on psychotherapy.
• Relevant: Understanding these dynamics is essential for therapeutic alliance and
ethical practice.
• Timely: Documentation and reflection will be completed by the end of the term.
SMART Goal #4 – Improve Documentation and Use of Psychotherapy
Billing Codes
• Specific: Learn to accurately document psychotherapy sessions and apply appropriate CPT
billing codes for at least 10 sessions.
• Measurable: Maintain a log of 10 accurately coded notes, verified by the preceptor.
• Achievable: Attainable with structured supervision and EHR access.
• Relevant: Accurate documentation and billing are necessary for compliance and
reimbursement.
• Timely: Completion expected by week 5 of clinical term.
SMART Goal #5 – Enhance Cultural Competency in
Therapeutic Interactions
• Specific: Implement culturally responsive care strategies during psychotherapy with at
least five patients from diverse backgrounds, guided by cultural formulation interviews
(Lewis-Fernández et al., 2017).
• Measurable: Reflective summaries and supervision feedback will be used to measure
this goal.
• Achievable: Realistic due to diverse patient demographics in the clinical site.
• Relevant: Cultural competence enhances therapeutic outcomes and is a core
professional standard (Campinha-Bacote, 2018).
• Timely: Goal to be achieved by week 5 of clinical.