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What are the Five Stages of Change?

Tara Warwick, MS, OTR/L

December 26, 2018

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Question

What are the five stages of change?

Answer

There are five different stages of change:

  1. Pre-contemplation. In the pre-contemplation stage, there is no intent to change behavior. The person is unaware or under-aware of any problems. They're perfectly content with where they are. Our goal is to help them see that there's a problem, remembering that we must be sensitive and approach the situation with care.
  2. Contemplation. The person is aware of the problem, and seriously considering a change, but they have made no commitment to take action. The goal is to raise awareness of the problem by observation of behavior.
  3. Preparation. The person intends to change and makes small behavioral changes. The goal is to encourage these steps and support the change process.
  4. Action. In the action stage, the person chooses to take decisive action to change. The goal here is to make an action plan, give suggestions, reinforce changes, and provide support and guidance.
  5. Maintenance. In the maintenance phase, we're working to prevent relapse and consolidate gains. We don't want to slide backward. We're going to continually reevaluate so we don't go back to where we were. 

These stages of change apply to everyone, not just children. It is difficult for any of us to change one small habit. Think about how difficult it is to change a major habit or behavior.

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, It's Not What You Say, It's How You Say It (Family-Centered Practice & Teaming), by Tara Warwick, MS.

tara warwick

Tara Warwick, MS, OTR/L

Tara Warwick, MS, OTR/L, is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy in 2000 and completing her Master’s degree in rehabilitation sciences with an emphasis in pediatrics in 2005. She has spent her entire career focusing on improving the quality of services for children, primarily targeting children with autism.  She currently co-owns a pediatric therapy practice called Today’s Therapy Solutions and is a consultant for the Oklahoma Autism Center through the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center – Child Study Center. Tara’s specialties include working with children with autism and challenging behavior. She has extensive experience and expertise in behavior management, sensory processing, self-care training (potty training, eating/feeding, dressing, play, etc.), and assistive technology.  She has conducted trainings and provided consultations for schools, parents and health and child care professionals all across the state.

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