I will normally predict the possible outcomes of each option based on my experience and any relevant research. The client may not wish to tackle the underlying causes of the stress and opt for stress symptom management such as stress management training, time management training or stress counselling. These three solutions firmly place the burden of stress and its management upon the individual and do not necessarily focus on the actual causes of the stress e.g. work overload. This issue needs to be discussed. Once a particular option has been chosen an action plan is developed which highlights the different stages involved and when they will be undertaken.
Action planning then leads onto the next stage.
The consultant needs to help the client through this often difficult stage by giving support and encouragement. A tentative approach is recommended as any intervention can lead to slight organisational or 'cultural' changes which can be inherently stressful. The consultant either arranges a follow-up or completely disengages depending upon the needs of the organisation. For example, if the intervention was a training workshop, this can be evaluated and later modified as the consulting cycle is revisited. Sometimes it will be necessary to start at the contracting stage again especially if contractual difficulties had been experienced.