During which stage do clients often feel ambivalence about their ability to change?

Clients often feel ambivalence about their ability to change during the contemplation stage. This stage is characterized by individuals recognizing that they have a problem and starting to consider the possibility of change, but they haven't committed to taking action yet. They weigh the pros and cons of changing their behavior, which can lead to mixed feelings about whether they can or want to move forward.

In this stage, clients may express uncertainty about their capacity to change, often considering the potential outcomes and their current state. This ambivalence is a natural aspect of contemplating change and reflects their internal struggle between wanting to improve and fearing the challenges associated with making that change. Therefore, it's crucial for practitioners to support clients during this stage by reinforcing their self-efficacy and helping them to envision a positive outcome.