How to Coach Yourself and Others Empowering Coaching And Crisis Interventions | Page 40
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Stages of Change
The stages of change model (Prochaska & Norcross, 2001) is based on the notion that people go through
different motivational stages, each of which requires different counsellor strategies for success. The stages of
change model, also known as the transtheoretical model (Prochaska & Norcross, 2001), has received a great
deal of attention in the literature since its inception in the 1980s.
In this model five stages of change are recognized: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and
maintenance.
As well, change is viewed as progressive and developmental in this model, with success at any phase dependent
on the success of previous phases. There is no orderly progression from one phase to another. In reality clients
may progress through stages and then drop back to an earlier stage (relapse) before starting again.
An essential assumption is that counselling interventions need to be selected to meet the needs and motivation
of the particular stage they are in. However, a client may be at different stages of change for different problems.
For example, a client may be precontemplative (not interested in changing) regarding his drinking, but ready to
take action with respect to his failing marriage. Discussing strategies for cutting down his drinking with this
client is likely to meet with failure, but he is likely to respond positively to exploring strategies to improve his
marriage.
Precontemplative Stage: “I Don’t Have a Problem.” Clients at this stage have no intention of changing.
These clients do not perceive themselves as having a problem, despite the fact that their behaviour is
problematic for themselves or others in their lives. These clients are not thinking about change, and they may
rationalize their problems, minimize the consequences of their actions, or blame others.
For these clients empathic and sensitive listening that encourages them to examine their situation and its
consequences can be very helpful. Counsellors can provide information, offer feedback, or encourage reflection
with questions such as “Is what you’re doing now working to meet your needs?” Counsellors should proceed
slowly when confronting denial, and they should remember that denial may be a defence mechanism that
enables people to cope, perhaps by shielding them from feelings of hopelessness (George, in McNeece &
DiNitto, 1998). DiClemente and Velasquez (2002) observe that “Sometimes the reluctant client will progress
rapidly once he or she verbalizes the reluctance, feels listened to, and begins to feel the tension between the
reluctance to change and the possibility of a different future” (p. 205). DiClemente and Valasquez offer a
counterargument — that the natural tendency is to do more when the risk is higher: Clinicians often believe that
more education, more intense treatment, or more confrontation will necessarily produce more change. Nowhere
is this less true than with precontemplators. More intensity will often produce fewer results with this group.
Contemplative Stage: “Maybe I Should Do Something About It.” At the contemplative stage clients know
they have a problem and are thinking about change, but they have not developed a plan or made a commitment
to take action. Contemplative clients may be ambivalent and may vacillate between wanting to alter their lives
and resisting any shifts in their behaviour or lifestyle. At this stage clients may be open to new information as
they self-assess their problems and the advantages and disadvantages of change.
Example: Agnes has been in an abusive relationship for years. She wishes that she could leave and start over. In
fact, she has left her husband twice in the past, but each time she has returned within a few weeks.
Contemplative-stage clients like Agnes are “burnt out” from previous unsuccessful attempts at change. They are
often in a state of crisis with considerable associated stress. Although they desire change, they doubt it will
happen and they believe that if change is to occur, it will be beyond their control. They also lack self-esteem and
believe that they do not have the skill, capacity, or energy to change.
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