| Lewin’s freeze phases In the early 20th century, psychologist Kurt Lewin identified three stages of change that are still the basis of many approaches today. Unfreeze A basic tendency of people is to seek a context in which they have relative safety and feel a sense of control. In establishing themselves, they attach their sense of identity to their environment. This creates a comfortable stasis from which any alternatives, even those which may offer significant benefit, will cause discomfort. Talking about the future thus is seldom enough to move them from this ‘frozen’ state and significant effort may be required to ‘unfreeze’ them and get them moving. This usually requires Pushmethods to get them moving, after which Pull methods can be used to keep them going. The term ‘change ready’ is often used to describe people who are unfrozen and ready to take the next step. Some people come ready for change whilst others take a long time to let go of their comfortable current realities. |
Your Journey to Healing Starts Here 