The dance of change: stages, research history, the client-therapist relationship, and implications for training

Abstract

The need for change is all around us. Failure to make healthy lifestyle changes has led to a compromised quality of life for many individuals. Why do some people find change so difficult? This study, through a recursive process of examining the literature, writing, and reflecting on personal experiences, investigates the process of self-initiated change, and the role that psychotherapy plays in this process. Four topics are highlighted: The Stage of Change model is used to explore the blocks and challenges to change; the history of psychotherapy research is viewed, surveying the effectiveness of counselling and therapy; the client-therapist relationship is discussed, emphasizing the important part it plays in facilitating change; and the implications of this relationship for training are considered.