Contemplation stage of change

A strategy that can be used to renew commitment to the posttreatment recovery plan is called the decision matrix. The decision matrix is quite similar to a prosand-cons list used when a client or potential client is in the contemplation stage of change to enhance motivation. This strategy is particularly useful to challenge the rise of positive expectancies during a chain of events that place the client at risk for a lapse. 

There is an abundance of questionnaires, monitoring forms, diaries, and decision matrices available for use with people in the contemplation stage of change. These instruments assist the client in recording as factually and extensively as possible the nature of the behaviour and all of its consequences. For example, the client is asked to record in exactly what circumstances does the behaviour occur when, where, with whom, what thoughts, feelings, moods are present. 

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