Module 7: The Stages of Change and Risk Reduction Steps
Module 7: The Stages of Change and Risk Reduction Steps, Screen 11 of 11
Conclusion
How does what we learned about the Stages of Change relate to Laurie and Ingrid? Laurie is doing at least two things that put her at risk for HIV transmission: She’s having unprotected intercourse with her boyfriend, who is in the window period; and she’s sharing needles and works with him and sometimes other people, too, when they can’t get to the needle exchange.
Ingrid needs to use open-ended questions to find out how Laurie feels about changing either of these situations. If Laurie is precontemplative, it won’t do any good for Ingrid to offer lots of good options, because Laurie won’t be interested in changing.
If Laurie is contemplative, helping her think about the pros and cons of changing—in a nonjudgmental way—could be supportive and effective.
If Laurie is in the preparation stage, then Ingrid might try to find out if Laurie has ideas for how she could change and whether Laurie is interested in more options.
In the next module, we’ll see more of Ingrid and Laurie’s counseling session.
Conclusion
How does what we learned about the Stages of Change relate to Laurie and Ingrid? Laurie is doing at least two things that put her at risk for HIV transmission: She’s having unprotected intercourse with her boyfriend, who is in the window period; and she’s sharing needles and works with him and sometimes other people, too, when they can’t get to the needle exchange.
Ingrid needs to use open-ended questions to find out how Laurie feels about changing either of these situations. If Laurie is precontemplative, it won’t do any good for Ingrid to offer lots of good options, because Laurie won’t be interested in changing.
If Laurie is contemplative, helping her think about the pros and cons of changing—in a nonjudgmental way—could be supportive and effective.
If Laurie is in the preparation stage, then Ingrid might try to find out if Laurie has ideas for how she could change and whether Laurie is interested in more options.
In the next module, we’ll see more of Ingrid and Laurie’s counseling session.