In the Boston Model, which stage focuses on evaluation, ambivalence, and incorporating new resources?

In the Boston Model, which stage focuses on evaluation, ambivalence, and incorporating new resources?

• A. Preaffiliation Stage
• B. Intimacy Stage
• C. Power and Control Stage
• D. Separation Stage

Answer: (D)

Understanding the stages of the Boston Model helps counselors tailor interventions as clients move through different concerns. The separation stage is where clients step back from the relationship to evaluate whether to stay or leave. They experience ambivalence—torn between continuing the relationship and seeking change—and begin incorporating new resources, such as safety planning, legal information, housing, or support networks. This focus on evaluation, ambivalence, and securing new supports defines the separation stage. The other stages center on different priorities: recognizing the problem and deciding to seek help (preaffiliation), building safety and trust within an intimate connection (intimacy), and identifying abusive patterns plus addressing power dynamics (power and control).

Understanding the stages of the Boston Model helps counselors tailor interventions as clients move through different concerns. The separation stage is where clients step back from the relationship to evaluate whether to stay or leave. They experience ambivalence—torn between continuing the relationship and seeking change—and begin incorporating new resources, such as safety planning, legal information, housing, or support networks. This focus on evaluation, ambivalence, and securing new supports defines the separation stage. The other stages center on different priorities: recognizing the problem and deciding to seek help (preaffiliation), building safety and trust within an intimate connection (intimacy), and identifying abusive patterns plus addressing power dynamics (power and control).