Stages of Change
An individual will begin thinking more frequently about making a change. The individual may decide that a change needs to be made, but not today (e.g., “I should stop smoking by the end of the year.”)
The individual may notice that a behavior is problematic but may continue to feel ambivalent toward change
When making a pros/cons list of making said change, the individual may list equal numbers of pros and cons
What is contemplation?
To be genuine, real, and authentic in the relationship
What is Congruence?
This stage focuses on identifying the necessary steps toward change
The counselor continues to evoke, as opposed to telling the client what to do
Before offering advice or information, the counselor should always ask for the client’s permission to share information
What is planning?
The individual has changed their behavior and intends to continue doing so
The individual may either get rid of the problematic behavior or acquire new, healthy behaviors
What is action?
Accepting the client as they are, as a person of inherent worth possessing both positive and negative feelings and impulses
What is Unconditional Positive Regard.
The counselor works to better understand the client’s reasons for change
The counselor should be looking out for change talk and sustain talk
The counselor should assess whether a reluctant client is lacking confidence or is lacking desire to change
What is evoking?
The individual is typically unaware that the behavior he/she is engaging in is problematic and may defend their problematic behavior
The individual may become defensive when others suggest a need for change
What is precontemplation?
Willingness and sensitive ability to understand the client’s thoughts, feelings and struggles from the client’s point of view; to adopt their frame of reference
What is Empathy?
This phase focuses on building rapport and creating a supportive, comfortable environment for the client. The goal is to create a strong working alliance that feels collaborative.
In this phase, the counselor should also seek to understand the client’s perspective, concerns, and values.
What is engaging?
Cohort member who is most likely to be found hammocking between sessions with clients
Who is Kervins?
Cohort member who knows everything about the latest and greatest in TV/movie news
Who is Lindsey?
The individual may begin accumulating resources and supports needed in order to make the change
The individual may decide that within a certain time frame (typically less than 30 days) the change will occur
The individual will list more pros to changing than cons
What is preparation?
An innate motivation to grow and mature and realize its self-interest, especially when provided with a supportive environment.
What is Self-Actualization
In this stage, the counselor should ask themselves what the client’s goals are and if these goals are different than the counselor’s aspirations for change for the client
The counselor and client should feel like they are working together toward a common goal
Should feel like dancing, not wrestling
What is focusing?
Who is Phyllis?
Cohort member who is the go-to expert on all things Texas-food related
Who is Jaimie?
Once an individual has sustained change for a while (typically more than six months), they are considered to be in the _________ stage
The individual is typically confident in their ability to continue the behavior change in the future
What is maintenance?
An absence of prescriptive techniques or perspectives introduced by the therapist, such as questions, interpretation, advice, coaching, or diagnosis.
What is Non-Directive?
Give an example of change talk and an example of sustain talk
(will vary)
Cohort member who can always be counted on for an ice cream break, literally ANY time of day
Who is Caroline?
Cohort member who is unsure if she is more excited about her marriage or the cake that follows
Who is Brittany?