Change - Black Dog Institute

Stages of ChangeDecision-making Concerning Change to BehavioursSTAGE BEHAVIOUR APPROACHPre-contemplationNot thinking aboutchanging• Give relevant informationre. outcomes of makingchanges• Increase perception ofbehaviour• Prepare for changeContemplationSeriously thinking ofchanging but may beambivalent• Discuss reasons to change• Discuss pros and cons ofchanging or not changing• Set a change datePlanningPreparing for change• Consider assistance,where appropriate• Offer support• Discuss rewardsAction:Attempt at makingchanges• Encouragement• Seeing oneself acting outnew behaviourMaintenanceSustaining changesand ongoingmaintenance• Discussion of difficulties• Positive self-talk• Help identify strategies toprevent relapse• Ongoing supportRelapse prevention andmanagementorRelapseLeaving the behaviourbehind, moving on• Analyse a relapse• Do not treat relapse as afailure, but an opportunity• Give ongoing supportivecounselling to renewprocess of contemplation,determination, and actionNote:A worksheet which would be useful for a patient would be the ‘Change plan sheet’. This can be used toimplement the above stages with patients.This document may be freely downloaded and distributed on condition no change is made to the content. The information in this document is not intended as asubstitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Not to be used for commercial purposes and not to be hosted electronically outside of theBlack Dog Institute website. www.blackdoginstitute.org.au