“Changing for Good” assures that true change is possible. It
explains that there are certain stages and certain steps to take in each stage.
Many people are unsuccessful in their attempts at change because they skip
important initial stages or they use the wrong strategies for the stage they
are in. The authors assert, “The key to success is the appropriately timed use
of a variety of coping skills.” (Kindle location 135-136.) Through educating
the reader on the processes followed by “successful self-changers”, the book
increases the likelihood that change attempts are effective.
The book has a conversational style. A caring guide explains
important points while empathizing with the struggles at each stage. At the
same time, the author refers back to the extensive research of the team and
outcomes which support their assertions. Common defenses, excuses,
and behaviors which contribute to maintaining the problem behavior are
confronted in a manner that is palatable to the reader who might be
employing those very self-defeating actions. The serious difficulty in making
lasting change is not glossed over; it is made quite clear.
Hope is given. This is the text which introduces the
concepts of slips and relapses. It teaches that these are a normal part of the
change process. It also encourages the reader that one does not have to fall
back to start all over at the pre-contemplation stage. With education and
perspective, one can begin again at one of the later stages such as preparation
or action.
The book is written to support people who are trying to
change on their own. Near the end, however, it notes that if one has tried repeatedly
without success, it would benefit to seek professional help. I was disappointed
that when different helping professionals were identified, there was a specific
caution made against those who call themselves counselors. The point was that
some call themselves counselors who do not have legitimate training. The
caution should have advised that one look for those with appropriate
credentials such as master’s degrees and state licensure. Since I am a master’s
level Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in my home state and a Licensed
Mental Health Counselor in the next state over, I want people to understand the
credibility of licensure.
In the end, “Changing for Good” makes it clear that making
lasting change is a difficult process that one must make a commitment to
continue working at over a long period of time, such as over years. It states, “Clinical
research indicates that only about 20 percent of the population permanently
conquers long-standing problems on the first try.” (Kindle location 3120.) The
person seeking to change a problem behavior is advised to examine what stage of
change they are in and to follow the processes outlined in the book to help the
person to move from one stage to the next with the best preparation. Overall, it
is an easy to read, educational, and supportive self-help book.
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