Although the pathway to change is a hotly debated topic, Prochaska and DiClemente’s 35 year old model still holds a lot of sway. These researchers suggest – and there’s a good body of research to support it, that people travel through six different phases before a behaviour is stopped for good!
Pre-contemplation
Someone who is very much in the grip of an addiction. Everyone can see how harmful it is, but the person themselves has no idea. As far as they’re concerned, there is nothing wrong with their addiction, it settles tension and anxiety, it helps them escape, it’s other people that have a problem, therefore no need to change things at all.
Contemplation
There is beginning to be some acknowledgement that change could be important. The disadvantages are beginning to scream loudly, and there are moments when you think that life could be different and better. But still, the possibility of change seems a little too hard. Counselling can be crucial in getting clarity on why change is important, and what you really value?
Preparation
You’re now fully aware of the dark side to addiction, and very much want to change your life for the better. You’re doing loads of research, speaking to different people, and preparing yourself for what lies ahead. People often enter counselling at this point, looking for ‘Strategies to change’, however to really change, we need to do a little more work in understanding what’s going on, and what is feeding it!
Action
No more messing around, it’s time to act, and now! People in this phase are feeling pretty motivated, but can sometimes not know how to go about it. Speaking with an addictions counsellor can ensure that all boxes are ticked!
Maintenance
Many researchers suggest that if you can stop an addictive behaviour for three months, then the hard part is over: the triggering thoughts die down and life gets a whole lot easier. Rebuilding life in the absence of the addictive behaviours can take months, even years in some cases. The psychoanalytic approach is one of deep questioning, leaving no stone unturned, until life is rebuilt on your own powerful terms!
Relapse
Frustrating and a letdown when it happens, it can mean that key triggers remain stuck in the background. Each time this happens reveals a time for further understanding and refinement. Each relapse shows the behaviour in a different light, allowing us to learn more and more about it.
Each person’s journey is entirely unique, but these stages can be helpful to understand where you might sit in the stages of change. Speaking with an addictions counsellor ensures that your pathway forward can be guided expertly.