In which stage do clients consider making a change in their behavior?

The stage in which clients begin to consider making a change in their behavior is the Contemplation stage. During this phase, individuals typically acknowledge that there is a problem and start weighing the pros and cons of changing their behavior. They may experience ambivalence, feeling both the desire to change and the resistance to do so. This is a critical process, as individuals often gather information and support during contemplation, which can lead to a better understanding of what changes they want to make and why they are important.

In contrast, the Preparation stage involves individuals who have made the decision to change and are starting to plan how to make those changes. The Action stage is when individuals actively implement their plan and make visible changes to their behavior. Relapse refers to returning to previous behaviors after an attempt to change has been made. Recognizing the importance of the Contemplation stage helps in understanding how individuals progress through their change journey.