Looking Back, Looking Forward Worksheet
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Worksheet updated on May 31st, 2025
An important practice in therapy is reflecting on the progress and growth the client has made while working on themselves. Reviewing key points of change between the past and present can help encourage clients to internalize their progress and build confidence in their ability to take care of themselves.
Reflecting on the past and present can also help maintain a healthy perspective on the best ways to create a fulfilling future. It is important to continue to grow self-image and self-worth by paying attention to a client’s process toward healthy change and healing.
About This Worksheet
Reflecting on the past and present can also aid in goal planning for the future. The Looking Back, Looking Forward worksheet provides a creative exercise to reflect on the past, present, and future constructively.
The worksheet is divided into 3 portions:
- Looking back
- Looking forward
- Goal planning
With this worksheet, the client builds self-reflection skills by learning to reflect on the past, explore how their engagement in therapy has contributed to their healing, and what goals they need to set to build a bright future. The Looking Back, Looking Forward worksheet is great for individual and group settings. It is suitable for adolescents and adults.
Instructions
Before guiding the client on completing the worksheet, explain how understanding each element is instrumental in planning for the future. Instruct the client to complete each question in the 2-column sentence completion exercise, beginning with the Looking Back column.
After the columns are complete, reflect on the responses with the client. Ask the client questions, like:
- “How do you feel about the comparison between the past and present?”
- “What intentions would help you build a healthy and bright future?”
- “What direction do you feel your life is going in or needs to go in now?”
Use the reflection questions to guide the client in creating 3 attainable goals for the future. Have them write down their goals to encourage clear and realistic expectations. Provide a copy of the worksheet to the client for reference.
