What type of information is typically recorded in progress notes?

Progress notes serve as a crucial documentation tool in therapeutic settings, capturing specific elements of a client’s treatment journey. The primary focus of these notes is on the client's subjective reports and their treatment progress. This includes documenting what the client shares about their feelings, experiences, and observations regarding their mental health or therapeutic goals, as well as any noticeable developments or changes in their condition over time.

Recording this information helps in tracking the effectiveness of interventions, guiding future treatment decisions, and ensuring continuity of care. By encapsulating the client's perspective and treatment advancements, progress notes not only serve as a clinical resource but also fulfill ethical and professional standards for maintaining accurate client records.

In contrast, other options such as the therapist's personal feelings or confidential thoughts are not part of what progress notes typically include, as this information is more appropriately kept in reflective practice notes or supervision settings, if at all. Similarly, a detailed life history of the therapist has no relevance in the progress notes, which are aimed at assessing and planning for the client's care.