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Stages of Change

 

You will first need to identify the client’s stage of change to ensure that the client’s readiness matches the interventon.

 Pre-contemplation

(Not changing in foreseeable future)

Goal for Intervention: Encourage and assist clients to learn more about their health and understand more about their particular health risks. 

Potential Intervention

  • advise that you are concerned
  • begin a supportive interaction
  • increase awareness of risk
  • encourage critical thinking about current behaviour
  • foster belief that people are able to change

 

Contemplation

(Intending to change in next 6 months)

Goal for Intervention: Assist clients to examine the pros and cons of changing behaviour and to have the confidence to try.

Potential Intervention

  • provide information
  • emphasize benefits of changing behaviour
  • inquire about reasons for change
  • examine concerns and barriers to change
  • offer possible solutions
  • foster a positive belief in ability to change

 

Preparation

(Planning to change in next 4 weeks)

Goal for Intervention: Assist clients to replace one behaviour with a new, healthier approach. 

Potential Intervention

  • assist client to verbalize a plan which includes a specific start or quit date
  • encourage client to consider family or peer support
  • discuss what has worked and not worked in the past
  • encourage client to avoid, change or remove cues that trigger the risk behaviour
  • normalize relapse as part of the process – relapse is a learning experience
  • focus on benefit most meaningful to client
  • encourage client’s efforts

 

 

Action

(In the process of changing for less than 6 months)

Goal for Intervention: Assist clients to set and meet daily goals. 

Potential  Intervention

  • compliment client’s accomplishments and decision to change
  • encourage client to reward self
  • emphasize benefits
  • discuss what is working and what temptations or barriers are present
  • promote self-confidence
  • normalize relapse as part of the process – relapse is a learning experience.

 

Maintenance

(Has changed for 6 months or longer)

Goal for Intervention: Assist client to retain the new behaviour. 

Potential Intervention

  • support feelings of accomplishment
  • encourage awareness of triggers and pitfalls
  • emphasize the importance of continuing to reward self

 

Relapse

(Has changed for 6 months or longer)

Goal for Intervention: Assist client to see relapse as a normal part of the change process, and encourage new attempt. 

Potential Intervention

  • normalize relapse 
  • emphasize benefits that were gained
  • discuss reasons for relapse and counter strategies for next try
  • reassess client’s current stage of change and intervene accordingly at next contact

 

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