Thoughts on the Milestone Planning Process

Vocational Rehab Counselor Francis G shares his thoughts on using the new Milestone Planning process with his customers.

The Milestone Planning process has helped improve the working relationship with my customers. On various levels, it has been a great help to me, and my customers.
Because of the layered nature of the VR process, having short-term goals has helped keep customers engaged and focused. This has simplified the process of tracking and monitoring progress for customers and Counselors as the focus is on a single milestone or at most a couple, at a time.
Often, customers are not clear about what it takes for them to reach their desired goals. In such circumstances, milestone planning has helped clarify required steps for customers and VR Counselor.
Because milestone planning actively engages customer in the VR planning process, this helps them develop a sense of ownership and accountability which are key factors in trust building and enhancing the counseling relationship, and the customer’s self-esteem.  This is because customers are able to identify their priorities and determine when to transition to subsequent milestones.
My overall observation has been that milestone planning has been impactful for me working with customers. I have seen it’s positive impact on my customers, and in my counseling relationship with them. Likewise, my customers have provided positive feedback on the benefits of milestone planning.