We have been discussing the situation where the clinician is counseling with neutrality and not guiding the client in any one direction. The clinician is allowing the client to make their own decision even though this approach may bring up a great deal of tension for both clinician and client. However, in a situation like a client deciding to become an organ donor for a family member, the decision is often best left up to the client. After a decision is made by the client, sometimes it can be important to support the client in letting them sit with the decision they have made before acting on the decision.
The reason for allowing the decision to sit for a while with the client is because there may be some residual ambivalence or regret from deciding. It may be a relief for the client to have decided and it may also bring up some questioning on behalf of the client wondering if they made the 鈥渞ight鈥� decision. Giving the client some space and someone to talk through these feelings can be extremely important and helpful.
In addition, this would also allow some time in case the client wants to reconsider their decision. When deciding to become an organ donor, for example, there may be some back and forth and lots of pros and cons to consider. By giving the client some opportunities to be honest with this process, this may be a time where more confidence builds in the decision or clarity that another decision needs to be made.
One other possible scenario that could emerge is that the client could not decide at all. The clinician and client could spend a great deal of time discussing the numerous pros and cons and the client could not be ready to make a decision. This is not an issue since the client may just not be ready to decide and move forward. It could be that the client needs some more time to discuss, gather information, and to feel ready.
In all of these situations, an affirmation offered by the clinician can be extremely beneficial to remind the client of their inherent worth regardless of the decision being made. Expressing to the client their strengths during a challenging process can often be welcomed and needed by the client. Simply stating to the client that you will continue to work with them and support them can be profound. You can remind them that you know they will be able to get through this situation.
In the final blog of this series next month, we will continue discussing 鈥渃ounseling with neutrality鈥� and how using a pros and cons exercise can be beneficial for the clinician in remaining neutral. I hope everyone is doing as well as possible and you have opportunities to use and practice motivational interviewing. Take good care!
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.
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