You should 1) start with some questions you create the client to help identify goals. Then 2) Imagine what the client may have responded, and create a summary of the issues you have heard from the client as well as how you would ask the client about what problems are most important to focus on. You should then 3) State the goals as if you were presenting them to the client and 4) Test to see that the client is in agreement.
Imagine with me that I am your client. You are in the chair over there. We have covered informed consent, and at this point you are aware that I indicated feeling depressed and alcohol as the reasons I'm here.
Client: Well, I guess I'm here because my family is concerned about me.
Client: My husband says I'm not the same person I was before.
Client: I feel like I can't get out of bed. On days that I do, it's all I can do to get through the day.
Client: Well, yeah, I might drink to manage how I feel.
Client: Yeah, I seem to be crying a lot lately. And I can't control it.
Client: I feel bad because my kids notice that I don't do what I used to. I have a tough time getting to their activities.
Client: I get by at work...but, really, I'm feeling like I can't keep up.
Client: I wish I was the same person I was before. I can't get back to that.
Client: I guess I'm having problems in all areas, but some days I think I can manage.
Client: Other days I just wish I could, honestly, drink and then sleep all day. I'm stress and that's the best way to deal with things. And then I don't feel-I don't realize how down I am.
Client: I guess I'm having problems in all areas, but some days I think I can manage.
Client: But, I told you last time how my family wanted me here. I think maybe I've realized I need to be here.
Client: I don't want things to stay the way they are, but I don't know what to do.
Client: Perhaps there's something I can change, but I'm scared.
Client: Yeah, I'm afraid that I'll feel just as bad if I stop drinking and won't know what else to do to cope.