Ace the Chemical Dependency Counselor Exam 2025 – Empower Change and Rock Your Career!

The stage of change where an individual is planning to make gradual goals toward change is known as Preparation. In this stage, individuals recognize the need to change their behavior and start to create a specific plan to enact that change. They may set smaller, achievable goals to help guide their progress and make the changes feel more attainable.

During Preparation, individuals might begin taking small steps towards their larger goals, such as gathering resources, creating a support network, or identifying potential obstacles they may face. This phase is crucial because it transitions an individual from a desire to change into actionable steps that pave the way for more significant changes during the subsequent Action stage.

In contrast, the other stages surrounding this one serve different purposes: Contemplation involves awareness of the problem and thinking about change but without a concrete plan; Action consists of actively implementing the changes; and Maintenance focuses on sustaining those changes over time. Therefore, the focus on planning and gradual goal-setting is specifically what defines the Preparation stage.