Stages of Change
1
Pre-contemplation
- She does not recognize her partner’s behavior as abusive.
- She does not know to be interested in change and/or she takes responsibility for causing the abuse and/or she is looking for an answer for how SHE can be responsible for change.
- She is demoralized from trying to leave and failing.
2
Contemplation
- She does recognize her partner’s behavior as abusive.
- She has an increased awareness of the pros and cons of changes she can make.
- She may not fully identify ways to stay safe and cannot imagine how she could make these changes.
3
Preparation
- She recognizes the behavior as abusive.
- She intends to create change.
- She is developing or has developed a plan for change.
4
Action
- Client is actively engaged in making changes by working toward client determined goals of safety.
- She is creating and actively using a safety plan.
- She is developing/has developed a support system that she actively uses.
- She is making or has made a decision about whether the relationship is right for her.
5
Maintenance
- She no longer takes responsibility for abuser’s actions nor participates in the abuse cycle.
- And she is able to maintain her goals.
- Client is taking steps to engage in healthy relationships.