Readiness for change

The Transtheoretical Model of Change is the most widely used model for understanding and supporting behavior change. It is comprised of a series of stages, each with its own associated tasks, supporting the change process. When coaches and therapists understand the stages of change, their characteristics and associated tasks and actions, and appreciate specific applications to working with adults having ADHD, they can optimally support these clients in the process of behavior change. Practitioners can introduce clients to the stages of change model, and a practitioner and client can collaboratively assess the client’s stage. Understanding a client’s stage of change can both determine readiness to change and be instrumental in targeting actions to most effectively support effective change. Decisional balance and motivational interviewing are related approaches that practitioners can use to assist a client in movement toward greater well-being. In combination with understanding both executive functioning and key aspects of motivation for individuals with ADHD, applying the transtheoretical model of change (TTM) to the change process is a foundational lens that supports self-determined growth.