Changing for Good: A Revolutionary Six-Stage Program for Overcoming Bad Habits and Moving Your Life Positively Forward (Paperback)

by James O. Prochaska (Author), John Norcross (Author), Carlo DiClemente (Author) "IF ONE SYSTEM of psychotherapy had ever demonstrated clear superiority over the others in helping humans shed undesirable behavior, the name of that system would..." (more)
Key Phrases: countering techniques, active diversion, contemplation stage, John Norcross, Alcoholics Anonymous, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
From deep within the ore, great changes must be made to reveal the hidden diamond. Similar hard work is just as essential in changing human behavior, especially addictive behavior, according to the authors. Changing for Good distinguishes itself from the many other self-help materials available by espousing a sound therapeutic approach based on the authors' years of professional work with people in all sorts of damaging behavioral patterns, including smoking, overeating, alcohol abuse, and toxic relationships. The six steps to change, the social processes one must understand while changing, and the criteria used to measure success will prove useful to all self-helpers. Reader David Brand presents the text clearly and succinctly. A sure choice for all popular psychology collections.
Dale Farris, Groves, Tex.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

How many times have you thought about starting a
diet or quitting smoking without doing anything
about it? Or lapsed back into bad habits after hitting
a rough spot on the road to recovery?

To uncover the secret to successful personal change, three acclaimed psychologists studied more than 1000 people who were able to positively and permanently alter their lives without psychotherapy. They discovered that change does not depend on luck or willpower. It is a process that can be successfully managed by anyone who understands how it works. Once you determine which stage of change
you're in, you can:

create a climate where positive
change can occur

maintain motivation

turn setbacks into progress

make your new beneficial habits
a permanent part of your life

This groundbreaking book offers simple self-assessments, informative case histories, and concrete examples to help clarify each stage and process. Whether your goal is to start saving money, to stop drinking, or to end other self-defeating or addictive behaviors, this revolutionary program will help you implement positive personal
change . . . for life.

THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE HAS
FOUND THIS PROGRAM MORE THAN TWICE AS
EFFECTIVE AS STANDARD PROGRAMS IN
HELPING SMOKERS QUIT FOR 18 MONTHS.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks (September 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 038072572X
• ISBN-13: 978-0380725724
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,990 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

392 of 393 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a nice change!, July 14, 2007

By	gym rat - See all my reviews

Unlike most self-help books out there, this one is actually based on research for a change. Based on this Phd's work on how people change, this guy has uncovered the different, predictable stages of change that people go through when they attempt to get themselves to change. Although the stages are fairly predictable, not everybody goes through them in the exact same order as some people skip various stages on their way to changing their behaviour. A great book all-in-all, it's definitely worth a look. Also liked The Sixty-Second Motivator.

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars best I've seen...and I've seen a lot!, September 5, 2000

By A Customer

Excellent advice. Helped me break a 20+ year habit of bulimia, for which I had tried countless remedies. The most important things I learned were how to identify some of the self-generated "myths" I was unconsciously buying into....such as "someday it will be easier." His emphasis on exercise has turned out to be another key to success. And Prochaska's book helped me organize former failed attempts into a way of learning from my mistakes. GREAT BOOK! Thanks, Mr. Prochaska!

104 of 120 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't call it denial anymore-that doesn't help!, May 24, 1999

By A Customer

This easily explains why some people can stop behaviors, while others cannot. I have worked with criminal offenders for over 10 years and have begun incorportating the step by step techniques described in this book to all of our programming for offenders. It also helped me to begin something that I have wanted to do, but always found excuses to avoid. The book is simple to read, with personal stories to illustrate each point. Whether you would like to quit smoking, drinking, or want to start an excercise program, you must read this book. Understanding the change process will help you move to a point where doing "something different" becomes possible.