According to the Stages of Change model, change is a process and not a one-time event. It also cycles, and is not a linear process. The model proposes that people go through five distinct stages when making personal changes:

• PRECONTEMPLATION (Have not thought about this) - The individual is not convinced that a change is needed, now or later. Although others may repeatedly urge one to take action, the individual is deaf to their concerns. If forced to take action, the individual will perceive change as imposed.
• CONTEMPLATION (Have thought about this, but that's all) - The individual is convinced, but not committed, to making change. One may procrastinate changing because of fears, amount of resources needed to change, and the difficulties of learning something new.
• PREPARATION (Need help to make this happen or Need to do better) - The individual is currently making a plan for change. The individual is convinced that the benefits of changing outweigh the costs. There is a risk of becoming demoralized or doubting that change is a good idea.
• ACTION (Can do, and intend to do or Have started doing this - The individual is beginning to make visible changes. The person is actively changing. There is cause for celebration but it is too early for the individual to relax and think he or she is over the hump.
• ACTION (Can do, and intend to do or Have started doing this - The individual is sustaining the change efforts and the new behavior patterns eventually become automatic. The risk of relapse is present, in particular during times of stress.

Most people "relapse" and return to earlier stages but will eventually succeed in achieving and maintaining the change (in our case, creating a stable family environment and healthy relationships over time). Relapse is a part of the change process that can be represented as a spiral. Most people can be helped to learn from their relapses rather than going around in circles and making no progress.

For more info...click herewww.prochange.com.