Hill, C. E. (2014). Integrating the skills of the action stage. In C. E. Hill, Helping skills: Facilitating exploration, insight, and action (pp. 407-416). Washington, DC, US: American Psychological Association.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/14345-018
In initial sessions, helpers may focus completely on exploration and insight, with only minimal attention to action (depending on client needs). If action is approached in initial sessions, it is usually brief and focused on exploring the possibility of changing, helping clients think about whether and what they want to change or if they want to return for another session. In later sessions, the focus of the action stage moves to discussing and choosing specific action plans, evaluating the positive and negative consequences of changes the client has tried to make, making modifications in action plans, and planning for termination of the helping relationship. The action stage is often challenging for beginning helpers, who tend either to avoid action in favor of being empathic and insightful or become overly directive and authoritarian while neglecting their empathic skills. Leaving enough time for action can also be difficult for beginning helpers who have trouble with time management in sessions. Action is also difficult for many clients. Demoralization and hopelessness are major hurdles that clients must overcome before they can change (Frank & Frank, 1991). Clients often feel discouraged or defeated about their ability to change because of negative experiences with past attempts. Accordingly, helpers might encourage clients to take “baby steps” (i.e., make small changes such as 15 minutes of walking) and explore the idea of change first, while recognizing how hard it is to change. Although the action stage presents many challenges for both helpers and clients, helpers should not neglect helping clients make changes in their lives. They do, however, need to approach the action stage with appropriate caution, self-awareness, and empathy for their clients. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)