STAGES OF CHANGE
The Insights
Definitions,
Where am I ?
The Tools and Strategies
An Allegory of Change
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1) PRECONTEMPLATION STAGE
Precontemplators usually show up in therapy because of pressures from
others… spouses, employers, parents, and courts… Resist change. When
their problem comes up, they change the topic of conversation. They
place responsibility for their problems on factors such as genetic makeup,
family, society, destiny, the police, etc.
Contemplators acknowledge that they have a problem and begin to think about
solving it.
|
WHERE AM I ?
Contained
in the book 'Changing for Good' is the simple answer to the question.....
well it is a simple question in answer to the question :-)
It reads --
"It can be deceivingly simple to assess your stage of change for a particular
problem. You will need to answer only four questions about taking action in
order assess your stage. The tricky part is that, before answering the questions,
you must know what constitutes recovery for a particular problem."
( EX. Abstinence is the Type of Recovery SMART Recommends for drugs/alcohol
)
Self Assessments are an integral part of the SMART program. We believe, and
the science supports, that accurate, thorough and pertinent strategies and attention
to each stage with enhance success.
So if you are asking 'Where am I?' and you have a clear idea of what action
you seek.....
Respond to the following four questions:
1. I solved my problem more than six months ago. 2. I have taken action on my
problem within the past six months. 3. I am intending to take action in the
next month. 4. I am intending to take action in the next six months.
*If you answered no to all statements - Precontemplation
*If you answered yes to statement 4 - Contemplation
*If you answered yes to statements 3 and 4 and no to others - Preparation
*If you answered yes to statemnet 2 and no to statement 1 - Action
If you answered truthfully yes to statement 1 - Maintenance stage
Avoid the temptation to skip the stategies of any stage. You will succeed if
you thoroughly explore and learn from each.
Cool ? Cool !!
| Stage of Change | Strategy |
| Pre-Contemplative: "What problem? Don't bug me". Just visiting the meeting. Often a court or EAP program coerced presence. | Strategy: elicit open discussion and perceptions of the whole situation. Use: ABC 's |
| Contemplative: "I want to change, but then I don't." Ambivalent (rather than unmotivated or in "denial"). | Strategy: Help clarify the situation Use: Cost/Benefit Analysis, Brainstorming , ABC's for Emotional Upsets |
| Determination & Preparation: "I know I need to, but how?" | Strategy: Determine the best course of action or plan. Create a menu/plan, seek advice , recommended readings, and set a date to start. Use: Cost/Benefit Analysis, Role Playing , ABC 's for Emotional Upsets |
| Action: "Now I'm working on it." | Strategy: Develop practical methods, encouragement and sources of social support. Use: ABC 's , DISARM , Brainstorming , Role Playing , Review Cost/Benefit Analysis |
| Maintenance: "Need to stay with it." | Strategy: Identify and use relapse prevention strategies. Anticipate "abstinence violation effect" in case of a "lapse". Work on other problems or life-style changes to find a balanced and rewarding life. Relapse: "Better try again and learn" vs. "might as well give up". Help to cycle back into appropriate stage without becoming stuck or demoralized. Re-frame set backs as grist for the mill and a mistake. Use: ABC 's, DISARM, Brainstorming , Role Playing, Review Cost/Benefit Analysis |
| Permanent Exit or "Graduation": "Moving on to other things". | Strategy: Support and promote continued self-efficacy and closure, while allowing for return. |
Acknowledgements: Prochaska, J.O., DiClemente, C.C. & Norcross, J.C. In
Search of How People Change: Applications to Addictive Behaviors, American
Psychologist, 47, 11-2-1114, 1992, and Prochaska, J.O., Norcross, J.C., & DiClemente,
C.C. Changing for Good
Allegory of Change
BY PORTIA NELSON
1.
I walk,down the street
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in
I am lost.......I am helpless
It isn't my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.
2.
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I am in the same place,but,
It isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
3.
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in..........it's a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.
4.
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
5.
I walk down another street.
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