Is the following statement true? People in the contemplation stage of readiness for counseling typically self-refer and eagerly enter the therapeutic alliance.

Is the following statement true? People in the contemplation stage of readiness for counseling typically self-refer and eagerly enter the therapeutic alliance.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It depends
• D. Not enough information

Answer: (B)

In the contemplation stage, a person recognizes a problem and starts weighing options, but they haven’t committed to taking action yet. Ambivalence is common, and motivation to change is mixed. Because of that ambivalence, they are unlikely to self-refer or eagerly enter a structured therapeutic alliance; they may be exploring information or considering whether therapy might help, but they haven’t made a firm move to engage in counseling. Therapists often use techniques like motivational interviewing to help reduce resistance and move the person toward preparation and action. So the statement isn’t accurate: readiness to engage eagerly and self-refer is more characteristic of later stages, not contemplation.

In the contemplation stage, a person recognizes a problem and starts weighing options, but they haven’t committed to taking action yet. Ambivalence is common, and motivation to change is mixed. Because of that ambivalence, they are unlikely to self-refer or eagerly enter a structured therapeutic alliance; they may be exploring information or considering whether therapy might help, but they haven’t made a firm move to engage in counseling. Therapists often use techniques like motivational interviewing to help reduce resistance and move the person toward preparation and action. So the statement isn’t accurate: readiness to engage eagerly and self-refer is more characteristic of later stages, not contemplation.