The centrality of relatedness to collaborative goal setting in therapy

The importance of relationship factors in working therapeutically with children has long been acknowledged. Relatedness, i.e. the experience of being connected to and of caring for and being cared for by others, is understood to be a basic psychological need in Self-Determination Theory (SDT; Ryan and Deci 2000). In pediatric settings, developing a positive therapeutic relationship can be a more complex undertaking than in settings with only one identified client. Therapists must establish effective working relationships with both parents and children (and sometimes others) who may differ widely in their preferences, priorities and goals, as well as in their ways of interacting with the therapist. Each person’s unique personality and previous experiences will influence their engagement in the therapeutic process with implications for collaborative goal setting. In this chapter, aspects of Relatedness relevant for goal setting will be considered, including the need for therapists to be alert to factors which may support or hinder effective goal setting and attainment.