It was Dean Karnazes’s 30th birthday, and he felt trapped. Despite a successful career and a happy marriage, he was lost and disillusioned.
That evening, he was drunk and out with friends at a night club in San Francisco when a beautiful young woman approached him. They hit it off instantly. One way or another, what he decided next would determine his future.
Perhaps unexpectedly, he made his excuses and left. Once home, he rooted through boxes, took out an old pair of sneakers, and did something he hadn’t done since college: he started running (Karnazes, 2006).
And he carried on, and on, becoming famous for winning several ultra-marathons and running across America. He has since been named as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People in the World” by Time magazine.
Change can take many forms. Sometimes we choose it, and sometimes it just happens.
The Transtheoretical Model of Change explains the stages we pass through when we change our behavior and provides the insights we need to intervene and move on in life.
In this article, we look at the model, explore the stages and multiple factors involved in change, and identify worksheets that can help you or your client.
Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Goal Achievement Exercises for free. These detailed, science-based exercises will help you or your clients create actionable goals and master techniques to create lasting behavior change.
What our readers think
I have used this model when working with long term survivors of domestic abuse, who have addictive relationships, as in the 1990’s I recognised its value with those wanting to break free but unable to sustain the changes necessary, and stay away from the abusive person long term.
I have always written and run group work courses and often successfully used this model in part of the course. I am updating my recovery course for release to a wider groupwork audience, but cannot seem to find if and how to access permission or a license to use Prochaska and Diclemente’s Cycle of Change. Can you let me know if and how you have used this material – under license or with permission or is it available to use freely?
Hi Julie,
Prochaska and Diclemente’s Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM) is widely reported and referred to in the literature. Since it is used in many and varied behavioral change settings, it is possible that it can be used so long as it is appropriately referenced.
I hope this helps!
Kind regards,
Julia | Community Manager
Very useful article. All those being introduced to change need it.
I am so appreciative that you have this information available. It is definitely a great resource to have available.
Some valuable information.
Thank you
This indeed powerful information, so clear and easily applicable
Thank you very much for your article and the very useful suggestions.
I have to young male patients that are anxious and depress because they are “stuck” need to change but do mot know how.
Your articles is helping me to support them in their journey to change.
I believe in changing… 20 years ago, I was a successful microbiologist, but I was always stressed with the “run” for success. Then I stopped work, went back to study Psychology , psychoanalysis and counselling. Now I am very happy helping my patients to change the way they see their life.
Dear Sir,
Peace!
Thank you so much for sharing these life-saving ideas and concepts. I am looking forward for more. It will help me personally for my growth and for my work as well. Thank you and God bless.