In therapy, if a patient is consistently achieving goals, what method is often used to encourage continued progress?

When a patient consistently achieves therapy goals, reinforcing their successful behaviors is an effective method to encourage continued progress. Positive reinforcement helps to solidify the connection between the patient's efforts and the success they are experiencing. This reinforcement can take many forms, such as verbal praise, tokens, tangible rewards, or increased opportunities for enjoyable activities. By acknowledging and celebrating the patient's successes, therapists foster motivation, build confidence, and create a supportive environment that encourages the patient to maintain and build upon their achievements.

On the other hand, immediately shifting to more difficult tasks without adequate transitioning can lead to frustration and potential setbacks if the patient is not ready for that level of challenge. Reducing the amount of therapy provided may risk losing momentum and can undermine the progress made. Similarly, increasing the difficulty of tasks without the required support can overwhelm the patient and derail their motivation. Thus, reinforcing successful behaviors is crucial for sustaining positive outcomes in therapy.