1. AMTA Schools Summit Taking the Message Forward David A. Kahn, MS, LPC, LPCS Implementing change in your professional life Power Point Presentation © 2011 David A. Kahn,MS,LPC

2. Why a Talk on Moving the Message Forward? Any change in our life is resisted. Experts think they know it all therefore do not have to change. Doing what we have always done is easier.

3. Readiness for Change Do you have the information, motivation, and skills to make a change? What are the barriers to change that might prevent you from moving forward? What events might trigger a return to former behavior?

4. Understanding the Stages of Change Stage 1 Precontemplation (Unconscious incompetence) Stage 2Contemplation (Conscious incompetence) Stage 3Preparation Stage 4 Action (Conscious competence) Stage 5 Maintenance (Unconscious competence) Stage 6 Relapse Prevention (Return to unconscious incompentence prevention)

5. State 1 – Pre-contemplation (Unconscious incompetence) Characteristics of Helpful Strategies Pre-contemplation _______________________________________________________ DenialRethink current behavior and it’s cost and benefits Ignorance of the problemSelf-analysis and introspection Identify the risks of maintaining current behaviors

6. Stage 2 Contemplation (Conscious incompetence) Characteristics of ContemplationHelpful Strategies AmbivalenceWeigh the pros and cons of changing to new behavior Conflicted emotionsConfirm your readiness to change and encourage confidence in your ability to do so Identify potential barriers to change

7. Stage 3 Preparation Characteristics of Helpful Strategies Preparation Experimenting with smallWrite down your goals Changes Collecting information aboutPrepare a plan of action Change Make a list of motivating statements

8. Stage 4 Action (Conscious Competence) Characteristics of ActionHelpful Strategies Taking direct action towardReward your successes achieving a goal. Seek out social support and accountability partners. Set deadlines on your calendarMake another list of for the completion of steps towardmotivating statements. goal completion.

9. Stage 5 Maintenance (Unconscious competence) Characteristics of MaintenanceHelpful Strategies Maintain new behavior dailyIdentify and practice coping skills to deal with temptation Avoid temptationof returning to old behavior Behavior has becomeContinue to reward successes a new habit Continue to check in with support/accountability partners

10. Stage 6 Relapse Prevention (Return to unconscious incompetence prevention) Characteristics of RelapseHelpful Strategies Feelings of disappointmentIdentify triggers that lead to failure, and frustrationrelapse Recognize barriers to success and take steps to overcome obstacles Reaffirm your goals and commitment to change Work with your support/accountability partner

11. Thank You for Your Kind Attention References: Prochaska, J.O., & DiClemente, C.C. (1984). The Transtheoretical Approach: Crossing traditional boundaries of therapy. Homewood, IL: Dow Jones-Irwi Hargrove, M (1997) The Steps to Change: Bottom Line Underwriters, Inc.