Stages Of Change

The Stages of Change model helps conceptualize individuals’ attitudes towards change at different stages of therapy journey.

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Professional version

Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Client version

Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Editable version (PPT)

An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.

Overview

Prochaska and DiClemente's transtheoretical model of behavior change provides a framework for understanding an individual's readiness to make behavioral changes. While it is commonly applied in the context of addiction, the model can be relevant in various areas of behavioral change. This model is useful for conceptualizing the mental states individuals experience at different stages of their change journey. It also helps clients recognize that change is a process rather than a single decision, and that each stage presents unique challenges and needs.

The Stages Of Change handout outlines the phases of this model: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and relapse.

Why Use This Resource?

Utilizing the Stages Of Change resource provides insights into the process of change.

Helps explain the process of change.
Supports therapeutic conversations about motivation and working toward behavior change.
Illustrates that different stages come with different challenges and needs.

Key Benefits

Clarity

Offers a clear framework for understanding behavioral change.

Insight

Enhances clients' understanding of the process of change.

Flexibility

Useful in various therapeutic contexts.

Who is this for?

Addictions

Identify and discuss clients' readiness to address addictive behaviors.

Anxiety Disorders

Explore ambivalence and readiness to engage in exposure-based interventions.

Health Conditions

Supports work on health-related behavior change.

Integrating it into your practice

Educate

Review the stages of change with clients.

Assess

Identify which stage of change the client is currently in (e.g., precontemplation or action).

Discuss

Explore the client's thoughts and feelings about change.

Plan

Select interventions tailored to the client's current stage.

Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance

The Stages Of Change model offers a framework for understanding how individuals change their behavior. It describes change as a cyclical process that involves distinct stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance, often acknowledging relapse as a natural part of the cycle.

This model is widely applied in clinical settings, including those dealing with addictions, chronic health conditions, and mental health disorders. It helps therapists assess a client’s readiness for change, normalize feelings of ambivalence, and tailor interventions to meet individual needs.

What's inside

An illustrative overview of the stages of change.
Explanations of each stage.
Guidance for using the worksheet with clients.

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FAQs

The stages of change model can be used to understand, assess, and discuss clients' readiness to change, and guide the use of appropriate interventions.

Clients often cycle through the stages, including changes in motivation and periodic setbacks. Therapists should stay attuned to these transitions, emphasizing learning from setbacks rather than perceiving them as failures.

Acknowledge that relapse is a common and meaningful part of the change cycle. Encourage clients to identify triggers, learn lessons, and plan for similar challenges in the future.

How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes

By outlining the stages of change, this resource can enhance therapy by:

Making clients more aware of their stage of change.
Driving conversations about change and motivation.
Informing treatment planning and the use of appropriate interventions.

Therapists gain:

A useful framework for exploring clients' readiness to change.
A resource that can be used with a wide range of clients.

References And Further Reading

Prochaska, J. O., DiClemente, C. C. (2005). The transtheoretical approach. In: Norcross, JC; Goldfried, MR. (eds.) Handbook of psychotherapy integration (2nd ed). New York: Oxford University Press, 147–171.
Prochaska, J. O., DiClemente, C. C., & Norcross, J. C. (1993). In search of how people change: Applications to addictive behaviors. Addictions Nursing Network, 5(1), 2-16.