Why is it essential to have the patient involved in setting their goals during therapy?

Involving the patient in setting their goals during therapy is crucial as it significantly enhances intrinsic motivation and engagement. When patients participate in the goal-setting process, they are more likely to feel a sense of ownership over their rehabilitation journey. This ownership fosters personal investment in the process, leading to increased motivation to work toward achieving those goals.

When patients help define what they want to achieve, they are more likely to resonate with the goals, making them more meaningful and relatable. This connection can lead to a more proactive attitude towards therapy and a greater willingness to engage in their rehabilitation activities. Moreover, when patients set their own goals, they reflect their unique interests and circumstances, which can be more motivating than standardized goals that may not align with their personal values or lifestyle.

In contrast, limiting a patient's control over the learning process or making therapy sessions more standardized can result in reduced motivation and engagement, as it may not meet the individual's distinct needs. Thus, patient involvement in goal setting is a foundational aspect of effective rehabilitation therapies.