“We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.” — Step 6, Alcoholics Anonymous
As a psychotherapist working with individuals in recovery, I’ve seen the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous offer a deeply structured and emotionally transformative process. Among them, Step 6 centres on becoming “entirely ready” to let go of character defects, which often marks a critical psychological turning point.
While it may sound spiritual or moralistic at first glance, Step 6 aligns closely with key principles in evidence-based psychology. It speaks to the psychology of readiness, acceptance, and change, core elements of sustainable recovery.
Step 6 and the Psychology of Change
In behavioural science, we often reference the Transtheoretical Model of Change, which identifies “readiness” as a necessary precursor to meaningful transformation. Step 6 fits squarely into this framework and is a pivotal moment in addiction recovery. After completing a searching personal inventory (Step 4) and admitting one’s wrongs (Step 5), Step 6 asks a deeper question:
Am I actually ready to change my behaviour and thinking?
This isn’t a rhetorical or surface-level question. In therapy, we often find that clients say they want to change, but continue to hold onto beliefs, patterns, and coping strategies that sabotage their progress. Step 6 challenges this ambivalence in a direct and emotionally honest way.
Understanding “Defects of Character”
From a psychological standpoint, the term “defects of character” can be understood not as moral failings, but as maladaptive personality traits or behavioural patterns that once served a purpose but have become destructive.
Examples include:
- Perfectionism as a shield against shame
- People-pleasing as a way to gain validation
- Anger as a mask for vulnerability
- Control as a defence against fear and uncertainty
In addiction recovery, we don’t judge these traits — we explore their function. Step 6 encourages a similar process: recognising the cost of clinging to these patterns and becoming willing to release them.
The Role of Willingness and Emotional Readiness
Unlike action-oriented steps, Step 6 is internal. It’s about a shift in attitude — a readiness to surrender habitual behaviours that feel safe but are ultimately self-defeating.
This process has deep therapeutic value. In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), for instance, willingness is central. We help clients make room for discomfort in service of living a more meaningful life. Similarly, Step 6 doesn’t demand perfection — only a genuine openness to letting go.
The Challenge of Letting Go
Letting go of character defences is often far more difficult than giving up the substance itself. Why? Because these patterns are familiar. They’re tied to identity, to survival strategies we’ve relied on for years.
As a psychotherapist, I encourage clients to:
- Acknowledge ambivalence — It’s okay to feel fear or resistance.
- Identify the payoff — What purpose does this “defect” serve?
- Envision the cost — What does holding on to this pattern prevent you from experiencing?
- Practice self-compassion — Readiness doesn’t mean already being changed. It means being willing to begin.
A Bridge to the Next Phase of Recovery
Step 6 is not an end, but a transition. It opens the door to Step 7 — humbly asking for help in removing these shortcomings. But without Step 6, that next step lacks foundation. A person must first want to change before real growth can occur.
In this way, Step 6 mirrors one of the most important insights in psychotherapy and addiction recovery: insight is not enough. True healing comes from a willingness to move through discomfort in the service of something greater — whether that’s integrity, peace, connection, or freedom.
From a psychological lens, Step 6 is less about moral cleansing and more about psychological readiness. It invites individuals to become honest about the behaviours and traits that no longer serve them and to move, however slowly, toward a more integrated and authentic self.
The language of AA may differ from clinical models, but the emotional and behavioural journey it describes is profoundly consistent with what we know about sustainable transformation: awareness, willingness, and commitment to change.
If you’re working this step in yourjouney, or supporting someone who is, remember: readiness is a process. And even the smallest shift in willingness can be a catalyst for profound personal growth.
Ready to take that first step toward addiction recovery, where you’re surrounded by the healing power of nature? Contact Ocean Bay Recovery for support and a guiding hand on your journey.
