Helping Clients Move From "I May" to "I Will".

Most of our clients come to us ready for change. They have identified the behavior they wish to adopt and our role is to facilitate the action. When a client is still thinking about change, our approach needs to shift from activities of doing the behavior to fostering deeper examining of the issue. Our purpose is to promote client movement from the “I May” to “I Will” stage of change.  

Five Stages of Change  

When coaching clients through the stages of change, it is important to identify and understand which stage your client is in. There are five stages of change, each requiring different approaches.  

1. Precontemplation - not ready for change “I Won’t” or “I Can’t”
2. Contemplation – thinking about change “I May”
3. Preparation – preparing for action “I Will”
4. Action – taking action “I Am”
5. Maintenance – maintaining the behavior “I Still Am”

 

Contemplation Stage – Self Discovery  

People in the contemplation stage are in the process of considering change. This is a time of self-discovery and information gathering. The appropriate coaching skills should:  

1. Help clients discover their strengths, what motivates them and gets them excited about change.
2. Help clients connect their values to the new behavior.
3. Help clients understand the positives and negatives of maintaining the old behavior and of changing it.
4. Help clients identify barriers to change and find solutions.

 

To move clients from the contemplation stage to preparation and then to action, we will need to help them develop strong motivators, a solid understanding of their challenges, and possible solutions to obstacles. The coaching activities should be motivating, supportive and provide opportunities to connect with the new behavior. Rather than asking clients to attempt the new behavior, encourage them to talk, listen, read, think, discover, and then decide.   

Coaching Activities for Contemplation Stage 

• Journaling - encourage clients to keep a journal to identify situations that support the new behavior and record the journey.
• Decisional Balance Work Sheet - encourage clients to explore the pros and cons of both not changing and changing the behavior.
• Encourage clients to watch movies and read books about other people with the target behavior.
• Encourage clients to imagine what it would be like after changing the target behavior.
• Encourage clients to create a new, positive self-image.
• Coping plans - encourage clients to brainstorm to identify possible obstacles and create solutions.

 
 

Karen Moreno, MA Candidacy Kinesiology/Exercise Physiology

BA Social Science/Education  

Reference:

Fahey, T.D., Insel, P.M., & Roth, W.T. 2009. Fit & Well. M. Ryan (ED.), Introduction to wellness,

      fitness, and lifestyle management (pp. 14). Boston: McGraw-Hill.

Moore, M., & Tschannen-Morean, B. 2010. Coaching psychology manual. In E. Lupash (ED.),  Coaching relationship skills (pp. 22-24). Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.  
 

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