Empowerment

During this stage we are concerned with finding what stage the participant is at on the transtheoretical model of behavior change and getting them to the preparation phase.  If the participant is at the precontemplation phase, it is our goal to get them to the contemplation phase, then to the preparation phase.  If the participant is at the contemplation phase, our goal is to move the to the preparation phase.  Once they are at the preparation phase, the goal is to convince them they have every tool necessary to make this change.  At this point, hopefully, we shift to the action phase together.  The first step in empowerment, is meeting the participant where they are, this requires an assessment.  The assessment we use is one that mirrors the Lifestyle and Health-History Questionnaire as it is a very comprehensive lifestyle assessment.