The Importance of KPAs in Therapy

In the workplace, KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) help track progress and direction in specific areas. Similarly, in therapy, we have KPAs (Key Problem Areas). Just as KPIs provide a sense of progress and direction in professional settings, KPAs help guide the therapeutic journey.

I am always surprised by how many people seek help and can acknowledge that there is a problem in their lives… yet struggle to identify what the problem actually is! And I believe as therapists, we do our clients a disservice if we don’t take the time to clarify what the core problems might be.

Without a clear understanding of the problem and a direction to work towards, therapy can feel aimless. You might enjoy the company of a good therapeutic relationship, have a ‘feel good’ moment, have a good vent sesh, but where are you heading?

Clear KPAs act like a lighthouse guiding the therapeutic journey. It's not about reaching a specific destination but about realigning and adjusting the sessions when they feel side-tracked. It helps refocus on what's important when things feel stagnant or confusing.

Whether you're currently in therapy or not, if you're going through a challenge or feeling a lack of direction, ask yourself:

What is the actual problem?

• Try and name the problem in a short sentence.

• Remember, it has to be your problem. What I mean is it can’t be a problem that is about someone or something else (i.e. Joe is the problem vs I feel anxious and self-conscious in my relationship with Joe)

If I address this problem or it changes, how would my life look and feel different?

By identifying and focusing your KPAs, you can navigate your self-development journey more effectively and with purpose!