Assignment task:
There are many challenges that a client may face when it comes to SMART goals. One challenge may be biased beliefs; a client may go through the process of creating a SMART goal but will have difficulties completing the goal if their maladaptive beliefs are interfering with goal success (Beck & Haigh, 2014). A way in which to dissolve this challenge would be to discuss beliefs beforehand to sift out the negative views that a client may have alternative views to focus on when maladaptive beliefs do arise (Kennerley et al., 2017). Another challenge that may present itself is low motivation toward goals. Kennerley et al. (2017) discuss the five stages, pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance, created by Prochaska and DiClemente (1986), that identify a client's preparedness toward change. Identification and discussion of these stages can be beneficial for clients and the counsellor as they can identify their preparedness for change and make a plan with these stages in mind (Kennerley et al., 2017).
How might you aid clients if they were stuck in the pre-contemplation or contemplation stage?