Example Script | When the client is in the contemplation stage

Question 1

Validate the patient’s experience:

Answer 1

“I’m hearing that you are thinking about improving your career/anger/etc patterns, but you’re definitely not ready to take action right now.”

Question 2

Acknowledge patient’s control of the decision:

Answer 2

“It’s up to you to decide if and when you are ready to make lifestyle changes.”

Question 3

Clarify patient’s perceptions of the pros and cons of making a change:

Answer 3

“What is one benefit of changing your career/anger/etc patterns? What is one
drawback of changing your career/anger/xxx patterns?”

Question 4

Encourage further self-exploration:

Answer 4

“Would you be willing to think about this further and talk to me about it at
our next visit?”

Question 5

Restate your position that it is up to them:

Answer 5

“It’s totally up to you to decide if there are changes you want to make right
now. Whatever you choose, I’m here to support you.”

Question 6

Leave the door open for moving to preparation:

Answer 6

“After talking about this, and doing the exercise, if you feel you would like to
make some changes, the next step won’t be jumping into action – we can
begin with some preparation work.”