Individual Practice SWES Practice Test 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The readiness for change is a critical factor for a social worker to evaluate when dealing with a long-term client because it significantly influences the client's ability to engage in the therapeutic process and implement positive changes in their life. Understanding a client's readiness for change allows the social worker to tailor interventions and support to align with the client’s current state, motivations, and willingness to take steps toward change.

Clients may be at different stages in their willingness to change, such as pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, or maintenance. Recognizing where a client falls on this spectrum helps the social worker employ appropriate strategies, whether that means providing motivation, offering resources, or simply allowing the client to reflect on their circumstances without pressure.

The other factors, while important in a holistic assessment, do not directly impact the client's immediate ability to make changes as much as their readiness does. For instance, a client's financial situation, living environment, and family relationships are relevant in understanding their context and challenges, but if a client is not ready to change, these factors will play a lesser role in the effectiveness of interventions aimed at achieving positive outcomes.