For the next several months, we will 鈥済o back to the basics鈥� and explore the four core motivational interviewing skills:聽Open questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, and Summaries (OARS). Again, we will collaborate with the client and utilize these foundational skills for mutual understanding.
An open question is one that allows the client to express themselves and their experiences as fully as possible. This type of question offers an opportunity for the client to think before they respond and provides a great deal of latitude in terms of how it is answered. The question is often aimed at gathering information and understanding the client from their perspective, experience, and beliefs.
The fun part about open questions is that you get to remain curious about how the client may respond, and from time to time, be surprised.
Examples of open starter questions are:
鈥� Tell me about鈥�.
鈥� I am curious to hear more about鈥�.
鈥� I鈥檓 interested to learn more about鈥�
Or more specifically:
鈥� Can you tell me more about your experiences with substances?
鈥� How has using alcohol impacted your depression?
鈥� I鈥檓 interested to learn more about the support people you have in your life. 聽 聽 聽 聽Can you tell me about them?
鈥� Based on our conversation, how do you want your life to be different?
These questions can be used throughout the processes of MI. A general rule of thumb is to offer two reflections per open question.
We will continue to delve into these core MI skills over the next several months.
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