Table 4.

32 group sessions of the intervention.

In sessions 1 to 4 (fortnightly) we should raise awareness among the patients of the benefits of changing their habits, which will allow us to move from the "pre-contemplation" to the "contemplation" stage.
To do this we must provide them with ample information about the benefits of change, the recommended diets which will be dealt with individually with the nurse or doctor, physical exercise, etc.
This will be reinforced with the instructions given to individuals.
1. We will explore their fears, earlier failures, worries and difficulties that prevent them from taking the decision.
2. We will help sort out their doubts about unhealthy behaviour or habits to encourage life style changes towards a healthier life.
3. We will give them the tools they need to face situations where their usual strategies have failed.
4. We will encourage the patient to move towards the desire to change, attempting to help them recognise and take care of their present and future problems and strengthening their perception of the effects.
5. We will work on the patients' resistance.
In sessions 5 to 12 (fortnightly) we will have dispelled the patients' doubts and they will feel motivated to make a change to healthy habits and be committed to continuing with the programme.
We will then move into the "determination" stage
1. Reinforce the patient's self-motivational affirmations.
2. Point out the positive and negative aspects of the behaviour to suppress, the old and the new to be acquired.
3. Elaborate on these by asking for examples, clarifying the how, when, why...
4. Use extremes and image the best and worst results of the changes as well as their possible consequences.
5. Look backwards and/or forwards. Visualise with the patient what it was like before and how he/she thinks, he/she is going to feel once he/she has given up this unhealthy habit.
6. Explore the feelings associated with the change (fear, anxiety, etc)
7. Explore if he has help and support from a partner/family.
8. Strengthen the active role the patient has in the change.
9. Understand the resistance to change.
10. Help develop strategies.
11. Develop a joint action plan
12. Combat feelings of loss caused by the change.
In sessions 13 to 32 (monthly) work with "changes" and "maintenance".
1. Bolster the capacity to change
2. Encourage the patients to give their own reasons.
3. Increase the consciousness towards change.
4. Understand the stress these changes in habits cause in the patients
5. Reinforce the benefits of change.
6. Bolster self-efficacy.
7. Support the changes.
8. Boost each member's capacity to make a change.
9. Understand the patients' emotions and thoughts.
10. Give empathetic responses.
11. Assist with the expression of feelings and emotions.
12. Prevent relapses through exploration
13. Identify risky situations and find strategies for dealing with them.
14. Support the work and efforts made and the benefits of change and maintenance of their decision.

From 1 to 12, fortnightly sessions, from 13 to 32, monthly sessions.