There is a great article and brief video at the VeryWellMind web site describing what is called the Stages of Change Model.
There are six stages:
- Precontemplation
- Contemplation
- Preparation
- Action
- Maintenance
- Relapse
In everyday language these stages can be called"
- Fuck you
- Maybe I do, Maybe I don't
- How could I?
- Let's do it.
- Used to
- Oh shit I messed up.
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The stages of change are not followed in a step by step fashion necessarily, but people can move forward and backward somewhat. Knowing which stage a person is in primarily enables the helping person know how to tailor their questions and suggestions for the person needing or wanting to make a change.