Which approach is used to assess readiness for change during counseling?

• A. Stages of change; assess motivation and confidence; past change efforts; tailor interventions to current readiness.
• B. Randomly assign interventions.
• C. Only assess current symptoms.
• D. Avoid discussing change.

Answer: (A)

Focus on where the client stands in the change process. The Stages of Change approach asks about motivation, confidence, and past attempts to change, then uses that information to tailor the counseling plan to the person’s current readiness. By identifying whether someone is in early stages like precontemplation or contemplation versus later stages like preparation or action, you choose the right tools: build motivation and explore ambivalence for those not yet ready, then shift to concrete planning and skills for those ready to change. This alignment increases engagement and the chances of lasting change. It’s more effective than randomly assigning interventions, which ignores where the client is emotionally and cognitively; it’s also better than focusing only on symptoms or avoiding discussion of change, which misses essential factors driving behavior.