I don’t know that I necessarily agree re the ‘stages’ idea. I think it depends, to a certain extent, on clients’ attitudes.

Some embark on therapy already (without any prior direct experience but merely preconceived ideas) thinking negatively about it. Throughout their ‘journey’ they keep the same defensive/superior attitude. Thus, no stages would apply here. More an avoidant attitude that strives to be proven ‘right’ by judging any- and every- experience as such. And merrily casting aspersions on the therapy experience.

Besides, there might be a mix of elements at any one stage, so how to summarise any one stage. I most certainly wouldn't be able to define such clear-cut stages.