Thinking About Change? You’re Further Along Than You Realize!
Many people come to therapy when something in their life starts to feel off — a relationship that feels strained, a recurring pattern they’re tired of repeating, or an inner sense that they’re not quite living in alignment with who they want to be. Often, the desire for change starts as a quiet question: “Could things be different?”
If you’re here, reading this, it’s likely that you’ve already begun your journey.
At Reverie Therapy, based in Maple Ridge, BC, we often meet clients who feel unsure about whether they’re "ready" for counselling. The truth is, you don’t have to have everything figured out to begin. In fact, therapy can be helpful before you’re ready to take action — even before you fully understand what you want to change.
The Stages of Change model, developed by Prochaska and DiClemente (1983), helps explain the natural process of transformation — one that unfolds in stages, often with a few steps forward and some steps back. Understanding where you are in this process can bring compassion to your journey and clarity to your next steps.
Stage 1: Precontemplation
In this stage, change may not feel necessary yet — or it may feel impossible. People in this stage often come to therapy because someone else has suggested it, or because life circumstances have become challenging.
How therapy can help: A counsellor can gently help you explore the parts of your life that feel out of sync, without pressure to make decisions. Therapy at this stage is about planting seeds of insight and building trust.
Stage 2: Contemplation
Here, you’re starting to consider that change might be needed — but you may not know exactly what to do next. This stage can be full of ambivalence: part of you wants things to be different, and part of you is unsure, afraid, or overwhelmed.
How therapy can help: Together, we can explore what's bringing you to this point and help you untangle your thoughts. In my work as a Registered Clinical Counsellor at Reverie Therapy, I often support clients in this reflective phase — helping them build clarity and self-compassion without rushing the process.
Stage 3: Preparation
This is where thought starts to turn into intention. You might be ready to start journaling, setting goals or taking small steps toward change. Even booking your first therapy session is a sign you're in this stage.
How therapy can help: We can co-create a plan that feels manageable. Therapy can offer a safe space to test out ideas, set intentions, and prepare for deeper work at your own pace.
Stage 4: Action
You’re ready to make changes — whether that’s working through a relationship pattern, healing from past pain, or setting new boundaries. This is what people often imagine when they think of therapy: doing the work.
How therapy can help: This is where targeted strategies, emotional processing, and active growth happen. As your therapist, I’ll support you with tools, perspective, and compassionate accountability tailored to your goals.
Stage 5: Maintenance
In this phase, change becomes part of your life — but that doesn’t mean it’s effortless. You may still face challenges, and that’s normal. Maintenance is about sustainability.
How therapy can help: Ongoing counselling can help you stay grounded, reflect on progress, and adapt to new situations. It’s also a place to return to when life brings fresh challenges.
You Don’t Have to Be “Ready” to Begin
Change doesn’t have to start with a plan. It can start with a question, a feeling, or even a vague sense of discomfort. Whatever brought you here, it matters. You’re already on the path.
At Reverie Therapy in Maple Ridge, BC, we offer a supportive space for individuals and couples at every stage of change. Whether you’re just beginning to consider therapy, or you’re ready to dive in, you’re welcome here.
If you’re wondering what your next step might look like, I invite you to reach out. Let’s talk about where you are — and where you’d like to go.
Warmly,
Jess
References
Prochaska, J. O., & DiClemente, C. C. (1983). Stages and processes of self-change of smoking: Toward an integrative model of change. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 51(3), 390–395. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.51.3.390
Prochaska, J. O., DiClemente, C. C., & Norcross, J. C. (1992). In search of how people change: Applications to addictive behaviors. American Psychologist, 47(9), 1102–1114. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.47.9.1102