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What Are the Stages of Change, and What Do They Mean for Therapy?

The Stages of Change is a psychological model developed by James Prochaska and Carlo Di Clemente in the 1970s. Widely used in therapy, this model helps identify where individuals are in the process of changing their behavior. By understanding these stages, therapists can tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of their clients.

The six stages of change are:

  1. Pre-Contemplation: In this stage, individuals are unaware of the consequences of their behaviors or fail to recognize an issue exists. When confronted, they may deny or ignore the problem. For example, someone might deny that their drinking is affecting their relationships.
  2. Contemplation: At this stage, individuals acknowledge that there is an issue but may lack the motivation or ability to make a change. For instance, a person might admit that their drinking has consequences but feel ambivalent or uncertain about taking action.
  3. Preparation: This stage involves a willingness to take small steps toward change. For example, someone may admit that their drinking is a problem and commit to reducing their alcohol intake.
  4. Action: In this stage, individuals have developed a clear plan to address the targeted behavior or issue. They are motivated and actively following their plan. For instance, someone might schedule regular counseling sessions to address their drinking habits and take steps to confront the problem.
  5. Maintenance: This phase follows a prolonged period (typically six months or more) in the action stage. Individuals are focused on maintaining their progress and planning for potential relapses. For example, a person may have successfully reduced their drinking and created strategies to cope with moments of temptation.
  6. Relapse: This stage accounts for individuals who revert to the issue they are working on. Relapses are common in behavior change and often accompanied by feelings of guilt and self-criticism. Therapy can help individuals navigate this stage and get back on track with their original or modified plan.
     

The Stages of Change model reminds us that progress is a journey, not a destination. Each stage offers an opportunity for growth, even when setbacks like relapse occur. By understanding where someone is in the process of change, therapy can be tailored to meet their needs without forcing them into a stage they’re not ready for. It can be challenging when two people in a relationship or family are in two different stages. For example, one partner may be in the preparation stage and ready to commit to therapy goals, while their partner may be in the contemplation stage and uncertain about moving forward. This type of stage difference can cause a lot of tensions within relationships and families. It’s important that during initial sessions we try to understand where people are to attempt to get everyone on the same page.

Whether you’re navigating change yourself or supporting a loved one, remember that no step forward is too small. Growth happens in moments of reflection, preparation, and action—and even in the pauses and setbacks along the way. Therapy can provide the tools and guidance needed to make lasting changes, one step at a time.

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