Understanding the Stages of Change Model

Change rarely happens overnight. Whether pursuing sobriety, reentering the workforce, or returning to school, progress is often slow, nonlinear, and deeply personal. The Stages of Change model, originally developed by James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente to support recovery from substance use, offers a compassionate, practical framework for understanding how people move through the process of change.

At Skyland Trail, this model shapes how our vocational services team supports clients on their journey toward meaningful work and independence.

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Pre-Contemplation

In the earliest stage, individuals aren’t yet thinking about making a change.

“If you were to go up to someone in pre-contemplation and say, ‘Have you thought about getting a job or going to school?’ they’ll look at you like you have two heads,” said Doug Hurd. “Even if their life seems like it’s set up for that next step, it’s just not on their radar at all.”

For families, this stage can be the most frustrating. A loved one may appear stuck or uninterested. But rather than pushing, Doug encourages patience and gentle curiosity. The goal here isn’t immediate action—it’s planting seeds for reflection.

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Contemplation

Here, individuals begin considering a change, weighing the pros and cons.

“They’re not taking action yet, but there’s a conversation you can start to have,” Doug explained. “They might say, ‘Yeah, I’ve thought about getting a job. Here are some of my thoughts.’”

At this point, listening without pressure is essential. Change is brewing beneath the surface. Encourage exploration without forcing decisions.

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Preparation

In the preparation stage, individuals begin taking small steps: researching, planning, or testing the waters.

“It’s like getting ready for a trip,” Doug said. “They might be brushing up their resume, looking at job ads, or researching college programs—but they’re not applying yet.”

Progress in this stage can be hard to see. Much of it happens internally or online. Families should be mindful not to dismiss or overlook these early efforts.

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Action

This stage is marked by tangible steps: submitting applications, going to interviews, registering for classes, or starting a new job.

“Someone in action might be doing everything right but still not be hired yet,” Doug emphasized. “That’s hard for families to understand. We remember a time when getting a job was easier. But today, even taking action doesn’t always result in immediate results.”

Recognizing and affirming these efforts is vital. Action requires courage, energy, and often, persistence through setbacks.

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Maintenance

Maintenance is the long-haul phase—showing up for work, staying enrolled in school, and continuing the habits that support success.

“It can get boring,” Doug acknowledged. “Even jobs we were excited about eventually lose their shine. Maintenance is hard work, and most of us want our loved ones to be here, but we forget that this stage can feel mundane.”

Support during maintenance means celebrating consistency and endurance, not just new achievements.

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Relapse

Relapse is a normal and expected part of long-term change. But for many, it feels like failure.

“People tend to globalize relapse,” Doug said. “They’ll say, ‘Three years of sobriety down the drain,’ or ‘All that work with vocational services is gone.’ But it’s not true. That learning, those skills—they don’t disappear.”

Doug shared the story of a client who lost his job during a depressive episode but used the experience as a turning point.

“He said, ‘I’ve done this before. I don’t want to throw it away like this.’ He didn’t sit in the anthill, so to speak. That clarity became his strength.”

Relapse is not the end of the journey—it’s part of it. With the right mindset and support, it can even become a catalyst for growth.

The path through the stages is rarely linear, and mental health challenges can complicate it even more.

“Mental illness can be like dropping a bomb into that already nonlinear process,” Doug explained. “Hospitalizations, mood episodes, or attention difficulties can slow or disrupt progress. But it doesn’t erase it.”

Understanding this helps families offer grace and realistic expectations. Recovery isn’t a straight line. It’s a spiral—sometimes looping back, sometimes surging forward.

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Advice for Families: Celebrate the Invisible Wins

Doug emphasizes the importance of validating small steps, especially early on.

“From the outside, the difference between preparation and action might look tiny. But for someone who’s been stuck, it’s a big deal. Just thinking about change after years in pre-contemplation—that’s monumental.”

Just as you’d cheer for a baby’s first steps, offer encouragement at every stage—even if the progress feels invisible. Whether someone is just beginning to imagine a new future or taking steps to maintain it, understanding the Stages of Change helps illuminate the path—and reminds us that each phase has value.

At Skyland Trail, recovery is more than symptom management—it’s about building a meaningful life. Our holistic approach to mental health treatment integrates evidence-based psychiatric care with supportive services like vocational counseling. By helping clients explore, prepare for, and maintain purposeful activities like work or school, vocational support plays a vital role in long-term wellness. Learn more about how our vocational services help clients take the next step toward independence and fulfillment.