Understanding Resistance & Readiness for Change

Supporting Change Without Pushing, Fixing or Taking Over

Why do people sometimes know what they want to change, yet still struggle to take the next step?

As practitioners and helping professionals, it can be difficult to watch someone remain stuck in patterns, situations, or behaviours they have told us they want to change. We may find ourselves offering solutions, providing encouragement, suggesting strategies, or wondering why someone isn't taking action when the way forward seems clear.

But change is rarely that simple.

What can appear to be resistance may actually reflect fear, uncertainty, overwhelm, conflicting needs, previous experiences, low confidence, or simply that the person is not yet ready for change.