What term describes a statement of purpose or outcome expected from therapy?

The term that best describes a statement of purpose or outcome expected from therapy is a goal. In the context of therapy, goals are specific, measurable statements that outline the desired outcomes or changes that the client and therapist aim to achieve through their work together. Goals provide direction for the therapeutic process and help to focus the interventions and strategies that will be used.

In music therapy, goals are often formulated collaboratively between the therapist and the client, ensuring that they are relevant and tailored to the individual's needs. These goals guide the selection of musical and therapeutic activities that align with the desired outcomes.

While a mission statement can articulate the overarching purpose of a therapeutic practice or organization, it is broader and less specific than a goal. Similarly, aims and objectives may overlap with the concept of a goal but are typically more general or descriptive rather than being specific outcomes tied to the individual therapy process. Thus, in the context of therapy outcomes, referring to a goal is the most precise term.