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Even just thinking about maybe starting or recommitting to healing is healing in itself. Considering if you want to/need to/should change is an actual part of the change process and it's ok to take time deciding. Maybe that's the stage you're currently in! Although, I could argue that you could also be in preparation if you're reading this blog.
One crucial aspect of trauma-focused therapy, and really any time some kind of improvement is desired, is understanding the stages of change. This a concept that provides a framework for understanding how individuals move through the process of making positive changes in their lives. Let's look at the model and then explore it in the context of trauma recovery.
The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of Change, developed by Prochaska and DiClemente in the late 1970s, is a widely accepted framework that outlines the stages individuals go through when making behavioral changes. Although initially applied to addiction treatment, the TTM has been adapted to various therapeutic contexts, including healing from trauma. It recognizes that the process of behavior change is dynamic and not necessarily linear, meaning that people might cycle back to earlier stages.
Precontemplation Stage: In this stage, individuals may not be aware of the need for change or may be resistant to acknowledging the impact of trauma on their lives.
Characteristics: Lack of awareness, denial, or minimization of the issue.
Progression: Movement to the next stage often involves an external event or increased awareness of the consequences of the behavior.
Therapeutic Approach: Establishing a safe and non-judgmental therapeutic alliance is crucial. Psychoeducation about trauma and its effects may be introduced gently to raise awareness.
Contemplation Stage: Individuals in this stage recognize the existence of trauma-related issues and begin to contemplate the need for change.
Characteristics: Ambivalence, weighing the pros and cons of change.
Progression: Motivation to change increases as individuals consider the benefits of addressing trauma.
Therapeutic Approach: Exploring ambivalence and helping individuals weigh the pros and cons of change can be beneficial. Discussing the potential benefits of trauma-focused interventions may encourage motivation.
Preparation Stage: This stage involves the commitment to change and the development of a plan of action.
Characteristics: Readiness to take small steps, setting goals, and seeking support.
Progression: Moving to the Action stage is contingent on the individual feeling adequately prepared and committed to change.
Therapeutic Approach: Collaboratively setting achievable goals and identifying resources for support are key in this stage. Creating a personalized trauma-focused treatment plan enhances commitment.
Action Stage: In the action stage, individuals actively engage in the implementation of their plan to address trauma-related issues.
Characteristics: Visible changes in behavior, use of coping strategies, and increased commitment.
Progression: Consistent effort and active participation in the change process.
Therapeutic Approach: Providing practical strategies and coping skills for managing trauma symptoms is essential. Regular check-ins and adjustments to the treatment plan may be necessary.
Maintenance Stage: Individuals in the maintenance stage work to sustain the changes they have made and prevent relapse.
Characteristics: Consolidation of gains, integration of new behaviors into daily life, and ongoing self-monitoring.
Progression: Successful maintenance leads to increased self-efficacy and a reduced risk of relapse.
Therapeutic Approach: Focusing on long-term coping strategies, reinforcing progress, and addressing any emerging challenges are crucial during this stage.
Termination Stage: The termination stage signifies the individual's ability to maintain the changes independently without ongoing therapeutic support.
Characteristics: Factors such as stress, environmental triggers, or life events may contribute to relapse.
Progression: Learning from the relapse and re-entering the cycle at an earlier stage, often contemplation or preparation.
Therapeutic Approach: Celebrating achievements, reinforcing self-efficacy, and discussing strategies for handling potential future stressors contribute to a successful termination.
It's important to note again, that individuals may move back and forth between these stages. Factors such as external support, coping skills, and the nature of the behavior being addressed can influence the progression. Relapses are viewed as opportunities for learning rather than failures, and therapists play a crucial role in supporting individuals throughout this cyclical process. This non-linear nature highlights the complexity of behavior change and underscores the need for tailored, patient-centered interventions in trauma-focused therapy.
Next time, we'll take a closer look at the stages with a couple examples and reflect on how our values impact our own change process. Until then, ✌️🤍