Stages of Change

Stages of Change

PrecontemplationLack of acknowledgement that what they are doing is a problem in fact it is often seen as a solution (“in denial”)

ContemplationBeginning to think about change, but not quite ready. Characterised by AMBIVALENCE; the

weighing up of the pros and cons of problem and solutions

ActionThe individual puts the plans devised in the previous stage into practice (ready, willing and able)

Termination

RelapseNormal, predictable stage in the process of change. Exploring relapse can be a useful learning experience.

MaintenanceThis is a period of continued

change that is being maintained by active

strategies.

Stages of Change

PreparationIndividuals are formulating a plan of

action

Evaluating Stages of ChangePrecontemplation (Denial)

“What problem? I’m not thinking about it.”

Contemplation (Ambivalence) “I wonder if I might have a problem? I’m thinking about it

but not ready to decide anything yet.”

Preparation / Determination (Admission) “I have a problem.”

Action (Taking steps / Making changes) “I have a problem and I’m ready to do something about

it.”

Maintenance (Continuing what works) “I’m stabilized and doing well. How can I support my

ongoing recovery?”

Relapse / Recycle (Trying again) “I’m stabilized but have relapsed. How can I get back into

active recovery?”

Precontemplation: “Huh? What problem?”

A Precontemplation-stage person is described as, “It’s not that they can’t see the solution. It’s that they can’t see the problem.”

This stage of change has been given the label of “Denial” in times past.

Precontemplation: “Huh? What problem?”

Treatment for someone in the Precontemplation stage would seek to engage them in the process of objectively evaluating whether they have a problem, and supporting movement along to the Contemplative stage of change.

Precontemplation

Am I Precontemplative?

“What Problem?”

“Who, me?”

“I see no reason to change.”

“I wish people would just leave me alone already!”







it.”




active recovery?”

Contemplation:“Problem? Yeah . . . Action? Nah.”

Contemplation-stage folks may know their destination, and even how to get there, but they are “not ready yet.”

Someone in this stage of change may be ambivalent about doing anything about a problem that they can clearly identify having.

Contemplation:“Problem? Yeah . . . Action? Nah.”

Treatment for someone in the Contemplation stage would seek to engage them in the process of gaining motivation to address their problem, and supporting movement along to the Preparation stage of change.

Contemplation

Am I Contemplative?“I might have a problem.”

“I’m not ready to make any decisions yet.”

“Problem? Maybe.”

Considering change, but ambivalent.







it.”




active recovery?”

Preparation:“Almost ready to take action . . .”

Preparation-stage individuals are planning to take future action, but are still making the final adjustments before committing.

Someone in this stage of change may be working through the final obstacles that are getting in the way of taking action.

Preparation:“Almost ready to take action . . .”

Treatment for someone in the Preparation stage would seek to engage them in the process of taking action to address their problem, i.e., supporting movement along to the Action stage of change.

Preparation

Am I in Preparation?“I have a problem, but don’t want to commit to doing anything about it yet”

“I’m developing plans to change”

“Problem? Yes… Change? Not yet…”







it.”




active recovery?”

Action:“Let’s get going”

The Action Stage is described as the one in which individuals most overtly modify their behavior and surroundings to accomplish their goal.

Someone in this stage of change is taking visible steps and making visible changes in order to work on their recovery.

Action:“Let’s get going”

Treatment for someone in the Action stage would seek to assist them in taking all indicated steps to be successful in their recovery, and to support movement along to the Maintenance stage of change.

Action

Am I at Action stage?

“I have a problem and I’m ready to do something about it.”

“I’m making changes.”

“Problem? Yes… Change? YES!”







it.”




active recovery?”

Maintenance:“I’m in a good place, let’s keep it up!”

In the Maintenance Stage, the focus is on consolidating gains and preventing relapse.

Someone is this stage has an effective set of tools and “program of recovery” that they commit to continuing to practice.

Treatment for someone in the Maintenance stage would seek to strengthen and increase their “tool kit” and to support ongoing recovery success.

Maintenance

Am I at Maintenance?“I’m stabilized and doing well. How can I support my ongoing recovery?”

“I’ve made the changes I want; now I want to maintain my gains.”







it.”




active recovery?”

Relapse / Recycle:“How can I get back on track?”

Relapse is often part of the chronic disease process, and recovering individuals need to be prepared to deal with it, including damage-control strategies.

“Progress not perfection,” supports gentleness and freedom from shame, and “Progress not permission” emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility to stay active in one’s own recovery, even when slips or relapses occur.

The Recycling aspect of relapse supports the view that recovery-strengthening lessons can be learned from relapse episodes – “The only bad relapse is a WASTED relapse”

Relapse / Recycle

Relapse / Recycle“I’m stabilized but have relapsed. How can I get back into active recovery?”

“How can I learn from my relapse to strengthen my recovery plan?”

Documents

Stages of Change