Having a client identify negative thoughts and extreme or absolute words is an effective intervention for which stage of change?

The correct choice is the contemplation stage. During this phase, individuals are becoming more aware of their negative thoughts and the implications of their current behaviors but have not yet committed to making a change. By identifying these negative thoughts and extreme or absolute language, the client can begin to understand the barriers that have prevented them from progressing toward their goals. This heightened awareness is crucial as it lays the groundwork for perhaps shifting their mindset and preparing them for the next phase of behavioral change.

In the contemplation stage, clients often experience ambivalence about change—recognizing the need to change but feeling uncertain or unprepared to take actionable steps. Helping them pinpoint harmful thought patterns is an effective method to facilitate movement toward the preparation stage, where they will start planning for a change in behavior. Understanding how negative thinking can hinder progress is essential for them to start to overcome these obstacles and can motivate them to move forward.