Precontemplation of Change
The Precontemplation stage of the behaviour change framework defines a state in which you are not thinking about making any kind of change, be that behavioural, psychological or goal-oriented.
It marks the stage where you may not even be aware of the consequences of your behaviour which may, however, be negatively affecting those around you.
Furthermore, well-meaning friends and relatives may try to pressurise you into undertaking a course of therapy or counselling because they want you to change.
Unfortunately, because psychotherapy is set-up to help people who are at the Contemplation stage of the change process, this intervention is highly unlikely to be successful because of a stage-mismatch.
In other words, if you don’t want to change you are unlikely to change!
Precontemplation and Awareness
You may be in the precontemplation stage because you have tried, and failed, to make changes in the past.
This frequently occurs because people may not be aware that they CAN change, or have insufficient knowledge or resources to even attempt changing.
Consequently, this state-of-being is sometimes refered to as learned helplessness.
There are a number of factors which may account for you being at precontemplation including:
- A belief that what you want to change is unchangeable.
- A low sense of self-efficacy.
- An external Locus of Control.
- Very low self-esteem.
- Feeling powerless to act.
The good news, however, is that the majority of these factors are in fact just beliefs and not facts and can, therefore, be modified.
Arrange a FREE initial consultation
If you’d like to find out more about moving out of precontemplation then why not arrange a free initial consultation with us.
During this consultation we will discuss your particular problems and the potential solutions in a safe and confidential environment without you having to commit to any therapy or counselling going forward.
The consultation lasts around 50 minutes and is a great opportunity to meet our therapists and decide if you would like to proceed with any support.
