Will is a 34 year old male who has sought individual counseling for work-related stressors. Will is a police officer and admits that sometimes his job “gets to him.” Recently, Will’s work partner was shot in the line of duty during a routine traffic stop. Fortunately, his partner sustained only minor injuries. However, Will reported that he has experienced difficulty sleeping, concentrating and relaxing since the incident. He reported that he has recently begun to use his wife’s prescription sleep aid to help him fall asleep at night.
However, the sleep aid has begun to lose its efficacy and Will reports that he has recently begun to drink in the evening, after he gets off of work to “help calm him down.” Will reports drinking approximately a six pack of beer each evening for the past two weeks. Will admits that he is concerned about his reliance on substances to help control his stress.
However, Will states that he is also concerned about the effects of seeking treatment for his alcohol use because of possible ramifications to his career.
-What stage of change is Will in?justify and explain your answer.
-How will you help Will proceed to the next stage of change?
