Theoretical Perspective and Counseling

¶ … Change Transtheoretical Model of Change "Process your thoughts about the stages of change and the processes associated with each stage. How might this information impact your work with clients? How might this information assist you with treatment planning? Do you think it is usual with all clients or only particular populations? " One thing that immediately stood out in the article, was the assumption that all major counseling theories may be viewed as having two basic similarities; they draw attention to their respective processes of change and their respective interventions (Petroceli, 2002).

When people enter into any kind of counseling program they are intending to change some behavior that has become problematic for one reason or another. There are a variety of different methods that a practitioner could use to attempt to modify behaviors and it is reasonable to assume that in different circumstances, some types of interventions may work better than others for a variety of different factors that are inherent in the circumstances that present themselves.

This seems to be the foundation in which the Transtheoretical model of change is founded upon. It gives practitioners a way to modify their approach to whatever might be best suited the situation that they are currently encountering. The Transtheoretical model does not focus on anyone theory of counseling, but rather sets the foundation for change by defining the steps that are inherent in change in each and every model.

By mapping out the process of change and the steps that an individual must go through, the model of change can literally be applied to each and every model that has ever been crafted. That is, the process of change is not contingent upon any one theoretical model and can be applied to a multitude of different approaches to facilitating an behavioral change in an individual.

There are different paths to making a change, but each of the paths that are available typically go through a predictable pattern of steps that are illustrated in the TTM model. Understanding these steps can help any practitioner access the patients progress in the stages of change; regardless of the methods being used. The different stages of change are the focus of the remainder of the article as it outlines precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, and action.

Action is not a exclusive stage that is static however, it can be integrated between the other stages as sometimes it take actions to move from one stage to the next. Before any change can take place, the client first must realize that a change is possible. This is included in what is referred to as the consciousness raising section of the precontemplation stage.

This stage is characterized by the lack of a perceived need or intention for change, and many people who are in this stage are ordered to participate in counseling from external sources. The evolution to the next stage occurs when a client becomes aware internally that a change of some sort is necessary and begins to contemplate what is necessary to facilitate the change that they are seeking. The preparation stage occurs when and individual begins to prepare themselves to implement the findings that they acquired in the contemplation stage.

Once the change becomes something that someone is consciously striving for and actively trying to achieve, then this then becomes part of the action stage. No matter what theoretical perspective a counselor may come to prefer, understanding the processes of change can be applied to virtually any situation. Changes in behavior can be a long and difficult process for.