Prochaska, DiClemente & Norcross:

1. Precontemplation: A person is unaware of an issue or unwilling to change something. Common questions/statements in this stage: “I don’t think that there is anything wrong with doing this.” “I don’t see what the big deal is?”

2. Contemplation: A person considers the possibility of change. Common questions/statements in this stage: “I don’t feel that I can ever change but I can’t stay like this.” “I wonder if things can ever get better?”

3. Determination: A person is ready and determined to make change. Common questions/statements in this stage: “I can and I will overcome this.” “Changing will be difficult but it is better than staying the same and being miserable.”

4. Action: A person is ready to take actions that will modify identified issue. Common questions/statements in this stage: “I know that self injurous behavior reduces my quality of life. I will exercise or practice meditation instead.” “My contingency plan for self injurious behaviors is journal writing.”

5. Maintenance: A person attempts to maintain new age appropriate coping skills. Common questions/statements in this stage: “Paying attention to my body allows me to stay centered and balanced.” “Only making decisions after taking a minute helps me make better choices.”

6. Relapse: A normal slip up before stable change occurs. “I felt myself becoming dysregulated but I did not practice my skills.” “I allowed myself to become dysregulated and I made a poor choice.”

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