Brilliant Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, 2nd Edition

Stage two: contemplation

If the negative impact of the problem increases, this might move you into the contemplation stage. This is the stage at which you allow yourself to think about the problem or addictive behaviour in a more objective manner in order to reach a decision about the best way to proceed. You will be looking carefully at the pros and cons of the behaviour, considering the benefits and costs of the alternatives, and evaluating what resources you have at your disposal to make a lasting change. A number of techniques and strategies may be useful to you at this point:

1. Keeping a diary in which you look at the frequency of the behaviour, its impact on your life and how it makes you feel throughout the day. There are a number of handy ...