Are you contemplating meeting with a counselor to help you with some personal problems you may be facing? Maybe you are feeling like you aren’t quite ready, yet you know there is something that is tugging at you to do something differently.
There is a theory about change that helps you identify the stage you are in and how ready you are to move forward and make changes with your life. As you consider counseling, it is important to understand where you stand in terms of your readiness for change in your life.
What stage do you identify with and what can you do in order to identify and reach your goals?
- Pre-contemplation: The first stage of change
This is the first stage of change when you express that you really have no desire, or intention, to change, although you do realize on some level that you have a problem.
- Contemplation: The second stage of change
This is the second stage of change when you begin thinking about your problem more and solidifying in your own mind if this is something serious enough to warrant doing something about it.
- Preparation: The third stage of change
This is the third stage of change when it feels like a light bulb may be going off inside of you. You are starting to think about options, researching the internet for resources and solutions, and/or talking to others about what they did in similar circumstances. You may even be thinking about a counselor and how they might help you with your problem.
- Action: The fourth stage of change
This is the fourth stage of change and you have decided that it is time to take some action and do something. You are now gathering information and resources about your problem and taking steps that move you closer to putting it behind you.
- Maintenance: The fifth stage of change
This is the fifth stage of change and you are now actively working on your problem and effectively dealing with challenges and setbacks as they arise. You are moving on from the behaviors and situations that caused you difficulty in the first place.
You might think that seeking out the services of a counselor may only be warranted in the fourth or fifth stages of change. This is not the case. A counselor is a trusted partner who will listen to you and help you feel understood throughout all of the stages of change so you can develop strategies to solve your problem without getting stuck.
Read some of the examples below to see how this can work for you.
During the first stage, the Pre-contemplation stage, a counselor can help you explore the problem you have started to think about and the impact on your life. You will be assisted in beginning the process of identifying the problem and learning more about it. It is often a good idea to verbalize your thoughts and feelings to someone else so your problem becomes more real. You will feel supported and understood in the process.
Second stage: During the second stage, the Contemplation stage, a counselor can help you make an honest evaluation of the problem and your reasons for seeking change – both the pros and the cons. You can then begin to understand and review some of the things that may stand in your way and find a sense of hope.
During the third stage, the Preparation stage, you can learn about how to take small steps towards resolving your problem. A counselor can help you develop strategies to alleviate stress and worry so you are more likely to be successful. Challenging old beliefs often improve circumstances related to health, work, relationships and/or your well-being.
During the fourth stage, the Action stage, a counselor can help you take definitive steps towards reaching your goals. A counselor is there to help you practice new behaviors so that you know you are headed in the right direction with your life.
During the fifth stage, the Maintenance stage, you will continue to do more of what works and leave behind what does not work. A counselor can help solidify your goals so that your continued success is assured.
**Take that first step to make an appointment for reaching your goals and having a more satisfying life**
