Which of the following best describes the purpose of therapy goals?

The purpose of therapy goals is fundamentally to outline the expected outcomes of therapy. These goals serve as a framework for both the therapist and the client to understand what they are working towards and provide a way to measure progress throughout the therapeutic process. By clearly defining these outcomes, the therapy can be tailored to the individual's needs, ensuring interventions are effective and relevant. This focus on anticipated results helps guide the selection of strategies and activities that will be employed during sessions.

In contrast, evaluating therapist performance, establishing a medical diagnosis, and determining the client’s personal history are not the primary functions of therapy goals. While these elements are important in the therapeutic context, they do not represent the main objective of developing therapeutic goals, which centers on achieving specific, beneficial outcomes for the client.