Introduction
The concept of “stages of change” is central to ME. It is helpful to think of a pathway leading to a non-offending lifestyle. Each prisoner is at a certain point along that pathway. Listen to the things a prisoner says to identify which stage they are at.
The stages along the pathway are:
- Pre-contemplation
No acknowledgement of having a problem.
- Contemplation
Weighing things up.
- Determination
Making the decision to change.
- Action
Taking practical steps to achieve change
Objectives of ME
A prisoner needs to move to Stage 3 before they can meaningfully participate in a rehabilitation programme. The objectives of ME are to:
- identify which stage the person is at, and
- help move them forward to the next stage.
Examples: Stage 1. pre-contemplation
The following are some examples of statements by a prisoner which show they are at Stage 1. Pre-contemplation:
- “I’m happy just the way I am – living life in the fast lane.”
- “I won’t re-offend – it was a one-off thing.”
- “I can go straight any time I like – I don’t need help.”
- “I don’t have a problem with drugs.”
- “I slipped up – next time I won’t get caught.”
Examples: Stage 2. contemplation
The following are some examples of statements by a prisoner which show they are at Stage 2. Contemplation:
- “When I’m in jail I want to stop offending, but outside I feel different.”
- “I’m not sure it’s bad enough to need changing.”
- “I probably need to change but I don’t think I can.”
- “Maybe I have a problem – maybe I don’t.”
- “I doubt whether anything will work for me.”
- “I’m getting sick of being the way I am – my life is crap.”
- “Part of me wants to be different – but part of me wants to stay the same.”
Examples: Stage 3. determination
The following are some examples of statements by a prisoner which show they are at Stage 3. Determination:
- “I want my life to be different.”
- “I’ve made up my mind – I know I’ve got to do something.”
- “I want to change – what should I do?”
Examples: Stage 4. action
The following are some examples of behaviours by a prisoner which show they are at Stage 4. Action:
- stopping drug use
- ending association with other prisoners / leaving a gang
- getting advice, taking counselling from others
- participating in a rehabilitation programme.
