In a discussion about stress management, what stage of change is the client likely in if they express a desire to focused effort?

When a client expresses a desire for focused effort in managing stress, they are indicating that they are prepared to take steps towards change. This aligns with the Preparation stage of change. In this stage, individuals are motivated to plan and prepare for the changes they want to make, which may involve setting specific goals, gathering resources, and strategizing.

During Preparation, clients often start expressing a commitment to action, showing readiness to implement their plans. They might begin making small steps or adjustments in their behavior in anticipation of larger changes. This readiness and the intention to act differentiate this stage from others, such as Precontemplation, where clients may not yet recognize or acknowledge the need for change, or Contemplation, where they are considering change but have not yet committed to taking action.

The Action stage follows Preparation and involves actively engaging in behaviors to facilitate the changes they aspire to. Therefore, expressing a desire for focused effort suggests that the client is actively preparing to move into taking concrete action towards managing their stress effectively, making the identification of this stage as Preparation accurate and appropriate.