Focusing: Identifying Problems and Goals in Phone Use. DAY – 2
Focusing: Identifying Problems and Goals in Phone Use
DAY 2 – Explore how focusing helps identify the real issues behind excessive phone use and builds a clear, achievable plan for behavioral change.
Book a Counseling SessionIntroduction
Focusing is one of the key processes in Motivational Interviewing (MI). It helps both the counselor and client establish a clear direction by identifying specific issues and goals related to phone use. At Emocare, focusing is the bridge between exploring emotions and initiating action-based change.
Understanding the Focusing Process
Many clients struggling with phone addiction describe a range of concerns—from loss of time and poor sleep to emotional detachment. Focusing helps to clarify which of these issues to prioritize, creating a sense of direction in therapy.
- Identifying the key concern or behavior to address
- Collaboratively defining achievable goals
- Ensuring both counselor and client share the same focus
Techniques Used in Focusing
- Reflective Listening: Helping clients articulate what truly bothers them about their phone use.
- Open-ended Questions: Encouraging exploration—“What do you think your phone gives you that’s hard to give up?”
- Affirmations: Recognizing strengths and willingness to change.
- Summarizing: Reviewing the client’s main points to define the area of focus.
Common Problems Identified in Counseling
- Disrupted sleep patterns due to late-night scrolling
- Decreased productivity and attention span
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Emotional dependency on digital validation (likes, views, etc.)
- Physical issues like eye strain or headaches
Setting SMART Goals
At Emocare, clients are guided to set SMART Goals — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound — to replace vague intentions with actionable steps.
- “I will reduce my social media usage to 1 hour daily for the next week.”
- “I will not use my phone during meals or 1 hour before bed.”
This structured approach builds a sense of achievement and encourages consistency.
Client Example
A college student reported feeling anxious when away from her phone. Through focusing, she identified her core problem—fear of missing out (FOMO). Together, she and her counselor set a goal to practice “digital detox” for one hour each evening, leading to improved focus and reduced anxiety after two weeks.
Key Benefits of the Focusing Process
- Clarifies the counseling direction
- Enhances mutual understanding between counselor and client
- Creates measurable and realistic goals
- Improves motivation by breaking down challenges
Client Testimonials
“Identifying what truly bothered me about my phone habits helped me finally take action.”
– Kavya, Coimbatore“Focusing sessions made me feel understood. I learned how to set goals I could actually achieve.”
– Rohan, ChennaiFAQ
What is focusing in motivational interviewing?
Focusing is the process of collaboratively identifying and agreeing on a specific area of change during counseling.
How does focusing help in mobile addiction?
It helps clients pinpoint exact triggers and patterns, making their recovery more structured and goal-driven.
Does Emocare personalize goals for each client?
Yes, every client’s goals are customized based on their emotional needs, daily patterns, and motivation level.
About Emocare
Emocare is India’s leading emotional wellness center founded by Seethalakshmi Sivakumar. With a focus on behavioral change and mental health, Emocare specializes in areas like mobile addiction, anxiety management, and cognitive-behavioral therapy for sustainable growth.
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