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Breaking down behavior change into manageable stages helps us understand why people struggle to make lasting changes and how we can better support them through the process. The Trans-Theoretical Model provides a practical framework for conceptualizing behavior change as a non-linear journey through six distinct stages, each requiring different therapeutic approaches.

• Pre-contemplation - clients don't recognize they have a problem or need to change
• Contemplation - weighing pros and cons while feeling ambivalent about making changes
• Preparation - planning specific steps and intending to take action within the next month
• Action - actively modifying behavior and implementing new strategies
• Maintenance - sustaining changes for six months or more and focusing on relapse prevention
• Termination - complete confidence in maintaining changes without risk of relapse

Remember the stages with our simple memory trick: PCP AMT (Pre-contemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, Termination)

If you're preparing for your licensing exam, understanding the Trans-Theoretical Model and its stages of change is essential knowledge that will likely appear in your test questions.

If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams


This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.