What is The ABC Resistance to Change Model (Finn Tschudi, 1977)?
- (A) refers to the identification of a current situation/behavior and a desired situation/behavior.
- (B) refers to the brainstorm listing of the negatives about the current situation/behavior and the positives about the desired situation/behavior.
- (C) refers to the brainstorm listing of the positives about the current situation/behavior and the negatives about the desired situation/behavior.
- In other words, what do we lose by changing and/or gain by remaining in our current situation and/or not making the behavior change?
What is an example of the exercise?
- Below is a current change that I desire to make.
| A | Current State/Behavior Delaying an important, yet difficult, conversation with my daughter about the frequency of daily phone calls. | Desired State/Behavior Having this important, yet difficult, conversation with my daughter. |
| BExploring the Obvious | Disadvantages Reinforces co-dependency Continues my unhealthy dynamic to avoid conflict, a trauma response Leads to Resentment Increases my daily stress response | Advantages Reinforces inter-dependency, healthy for both of us. Reinforces my recovery from trauma Decreases daily stress Decreases Resentment |
| C Why it Might be Meaningful to Stay the Same | Advantages Easier to manage known daily stress (Chronic) than the probable heightened acute stress of her negative reaction Minimizes adding stress for my wife’s (her other mom) if she engages her negatively in anger | Disadvantages I may experience significant acute stress in response to her possible anger (acute stress). An angry response may trigger my “shame” trauma response I will need to practice maintaining this new expectation. This takes energy. |
| Practice Exercises | 1. Write out a script and practice with a trusted friend or my therapist 2. Have a less loaded conversation that includes some precursors for my larger conversation. |
The ABC Technique | C2D | Business Coaching, Counselling & Development
Proposed Question for thought/sharing?
- How has or how might this perspective/exercise be helpful as a tool in your recovery?
- Do you have any other responses to this tool?
Disclaimer:
This summary is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed.
Sober Synthesis 
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