Behavioral Change: The Four Stages Of Change In Psychology
Stages of Change There are six stages of behavior change that individual’s progress through when experiencing addiction. The first stage of change is Precontemplation, which is when individuals are defensive and in denial about addiction (Van Wormer & Davis, 2013). The second stage of change is contemplation, which is where an individual becomes aware of addiction, but does not see the need for change (Van Wormer & Davis, 2013). The third stage is preparation, which is when the individual comes to terms with the realization of the addiction and sees the need for change (Van Wormer & Davis, 2013). The fourth stage is action, which is when an individual takes control and begins changing. The fifth stage is maintenance, where an individual will
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Counselor use harm reduction for its practical and realistic treatment approach (Van Wormer & Davis, 2013). Harm reduction psychotherapy has been shown to significantly impact addict’s lives, by meeting them at their level of behavior (Tatarsky, 2003). For example, if a client is in the Precontemplation or contemplation stage, the counselor should not push the client to change themselves when they are not ready to do so. The counselor needs to meet the client at the stage the client is in to ensure they are not implementing harm and creating inconsistent goals. A technique used in harm reduction psychotherapy is motivational interviewing (MI). Often times clients are in either stage one or two and do not see change as relevant, which is where MI comes into play (Van Wormer & Davis, 2013). MI is a client-centered approach used to influence the client’s motivation and help them move through the stages of change (Van Wormer & Davis, 2013). By using MI, counselors can express empathy, develop discrepancy, avoid argumentation with clients, roll with resistance, and support self efficacy (Van Wormer & Davis, …show more content…
By using reduction harm psychotherapy, a counselor can move along the side of the client in the different stages. MI can be a successful treatment intervention to encourage clients to change for the better. In each stage of change, MI can be implemented. There will always be challenges counselors will need to face when treatment approaches do not always go as plan. It is essential to stay with the client as they move through the stages of
Counselor use harm reduction for its practical and realistic treatment approach (Van Wormer & Davis, 2013). Harm reduction psychotherapy has been shown to significantly impact addict’s lives, by meeting them at their level of behavior (Tatarsky, 2003). For example, if a client is in the Precontemplation or contemplation stage, the counselor should not push the client to change themselves when they are not ready to do so. The counselor needs to meet the client at the stage the client is in to ensure they are not implementing harm and creating inconsistent goals. A technique used in harm reduction psychotherapy is motivational interviewing (MI). Often times clients are in either stage one or two and do not see change as relevant, which is where MI comes into play (Van Wormer & Davis, 2013). MI is a client-centered approach used to influence the client’s motivation and help them move through the stages of change (Van Wormer & Davis, 2013). By using MI, counselors can express empathy, develop discrepancy, avoid argumentation with clients, roll with resistance, and support self efficacy (Van Wormer & Davis, …show more content…
By using reduction harm psychotherapy, a counselor can move along the side of the client in the different stages. MI can be a successful treatment intervention to encourage clients to change for the better. In each stage of change, MI can be implemented. There will always be challenges counselors will need to face when treatment approaches do not always go as plan. It is essential to stay with the client as they move through the stages of