In which stage of change are clients most likely to experience Doubt and Delay?

In the contemplation stage of change, clients are actively thinking about making changes but have not yet committed to taking action. This stage is characterized by ambivalence; clients often experience both the desire to change and resistance to it. Doubt tends to arise as they weigh the pros and cons of their behaviors, which can lead to significant delays in moving forward. They may feel uncertain about whether they can successfully make a change, leading to hesitation.

During this phase, clients typically require support and encouragement to explore their feelings and thoughts further. It's common for them to vacillate, contemplating the benefits of change while also fearing the associated challenges. This internal conflict manifests as doubt about their ability to follow through and delays in their decision-making process.