When creating a behavior change, this process can also be referred to as a dramatic release.

Processes of change is a major dimension of the Transtheoretical model that enables us to understand how shifts in behavior occur. Change processes are covert and overt activities and experiences that individuals engage in when they attempt to modify problem behaviors. Each process is a broad category encompassing multiple techniques, methods, and interventions traditionally associated with disparate theoretical orientations. Numerous studies have shown that successful self-changers employ different processes at each particular stage of change.

The ten processes of change are consciousness raising, counterconditioning, dramatic relief,environmental reevaluation, helping relationships, reinforcement management, self-liberation,self-reevaluation, social-liberation, and stimulus control. The processes of change are defined in the table below.

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