We continue our series on the 4 processes of Motivational Interviewing鈥� Engaging, Focusing, Evoking, and Planning. This month, we will focus on the third process, Evoking. We have talked about creating a therapeutic relationship (Engaging) and establishing a clear focus for the session (Focusing) and now we move to Evoking, and strengthening, motivation for change.
Here, the counselor listens for the client expressing motivation to change behavior鈥his motivation or interest in changing could be related to:
Desire: 鈥淚 would like to lose some weight.鈥�
Ability: 聽鈥淚 would be able to take my medications each morning with breakfast.鈥�
Reasons: 鈥淚 would have more energy if I exercised.鈥�
Need: 鈥淚 need to make better choices because I can鈥檛 keep living this way鈥�
The practice for the counselor is not only to hear and recognize the 鈥渃hange talk鈥� but, rather, to know how to respond to it when it occurs. If this is done skillfully, the counselor will be able to strengthen the motivation for change which can lead to 鈥渞eal鈥� change. In practicing Evoking, keep in mind that fear may be present for a client who is considering a behavior change.
Our next post will provide examples of how to respond to 鈥渃hange talk.鈥�
For more information about motivational interviewing or related services, contact Eunice Akinyi Okumu, by phone (919) 843-2532, or by email, eunice_okumu@med.unc.edu