Applying the transtheoretical model to Rachel's journey toward independence

¶ … Change/Motivational Interviewing

Rachel

Rachel seems to be in the second phase of the Transtheoretical Model of Change, known as the contemplation stage. In this stage, people are still stuck in their old ways, but wish to make a change. "They are more aware of the pros of changing but are also acutely aware of the cons" (TTM, 1996, CPRC). Rachel states that she would like to move out of her parents' house and into an apartment as soon as possible but unlike someone in the preparation phase of change, she has not taken concrete change-related actions to function independently, like learning about jobs she could take, gaining a vocational education, learning how to handle money, and learning how to perform routine domestic skills. She does not take public transportation and seems too afraid to drive. She is frustrated by her lack of independence, but is aware of the 'cons' of independence, like the difficulties of overcoming her fears. She does not have a clear focus for obtaining work, and has not really taken action to obtain an internship (although there is a program at her school to help students obtain experience) or to show her mother that she can function autonomously.