Back to PortalSession Preparation

Goals & Intentions Framework

A one-page structure for clarifying what you want to build, change, or understand through this work.

Vague goals create vague results. This framework is designed to move you from "I want to feel better" to crystal-clear intention. It becomes your north star throughout the engagement.

01. Current State

Describe where you are right now. Not where you think you should be — where you actually are.

Prompts:

  • • What brought you to seek support right now?
  • • What pattern or challenge keeps showing up?
  • • How is this affecting your work, relationships, or sense of self?
  • • What have you already tried?

02. What Needs to Change

Be specific. Not "feel better" — name what needs to shift.

Example shifts:

  • • From reactive to grounded in conflict
  • • From self-doubt to decision clarity
  • • From people-pleasing to boundary-holding
  • • From avoidance to engagement
  • • From isolation to authentic connection

What's the shift that would change everything?

03. Long-Term Vision (6–12 Months)

Paint a picture. Describe what your life looks, feels, and sounds like when the work is complete.

Questions to answer:

  • • How are you showing up differently in relationships?
  • • What decisions are you able to make with ease?
  • • What no longer takes your energy?
  • • How do you feel in your own body and mind?
  • • What becomes possible that wasn't before?

04. Obstacles & Resources

Be honest about what's in the way. Also name what's available to you.

Obstacles:

What beliefs, patterns, fears, or external factors might slow progress?

Resources:

What support, strengths, or capacities do you already have?

A Sample Completed Framework

Current State:

I'm in a marriage that feels more distant than it used to. We don't fight a lot — we just don't really connect. I'm doing all the emotional labor and I'm exhausted. I want to feel close again, but I've given up trying because nothing seems to change.

What Needs to Change:

I need to move from resignation and one-sided effort to genuine partnership. I need to know how to ask for what I need without resentment building up. I need to know if this relationship is worth the work — and if it is, I need to know how to do that work together.

Long-Term Vision:

In 12 months, I'm in a partnership where both of us are showing up. We're having real conversations instead of surface-level updates. I feel heard and valued. There's laughter and actual intimacy — not just logistics. We're building something together instead of existing in parallel.

Obstacles & Resources:

Obstacles: My partner is skeptical about therapy. I tend to shut down when hurt instead of speaking up. We've built years of patterns.

Resources: We still care about each other. We both want to feel close. I'm willing to do whatever it takes.

How to Use This Framework

  • Complete it before your first session. This becomes the conversation map.
  • Revisit it monthly. As you progress, your vision may clarify or shift — that's expected.
  • Be honest, not aspirational. Write what you actually want, not what sounds noble.
  • Give yourself 30 minutes minimum. This is too important to rush.

Mary's Counselor's Couch

Emotional Wellness • Family • Empowerment • Resilience

This site provides emotional wellness support and counseling services. It is not a substitute for licensed medical or psychiatric care.

Contact
  • maryscounselorscouch@gmail.com
  • (728) 777-6422
  • Orlando / Kissimmee Area
  • Virtual sessions available nationwide.

🚨 If you are in crisis, please call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. This website is not for emergency use. For immediate mental health support, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

© 2026 Mary's Counselor's Couch. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy · Terms · Forms & Policies

Site Development by RRA Tech Zone LLCCedrick Randolph, Co‑Founder & IT Director.