When do we know when a client is ready to move from evoking to planning? After we have discussed and understand why the client is considering changing a behavior, how do we know when they are ready to explore how they are planning to integrate this change into their life? Some great questions to consider, and sometimes, as clinicians, we may have to decide even if we are not sure. However, the good news is that the client will usually tell us or give us signs of readiness to move onto planning.
There may also be ways to give it a 鈥渢rial run鈥� to see if the client is ready to discuss how they would see a new behavior in their life. Regardless of how the client talks about moving forward, it is always good to remember that it is still a collaborative process, where the client is coming up with their own ideas, and where the choice of how this is done, is up to the client. Again, if we believe the client knows themselves better than anyone else, who else should be making these decisions.
One concern in this transition from evoking to planning is that many clinicians may feel like it is all downhill from here. However, what we know from our experiences as clinicians is that motivation and ambivalence often ebb and flow, and especially if a new behavior is being considered. The best way to support the client during this transition is to go slow and try to make sure the client is owning their plan moving forward. Continued collaboration and drawing out the client鈥檚 own expertise is a great approach.
To begin thinking about how this process may look and sound, we will dedicate the next several blogs to providing a set of signs from Miller and Rollnick that may indicate readiness on behalf of the client. In addition, a procedure will be outlined to give it a 鈥渢rial run鈥� to see if the client is ready to make a future plan. The client will usually let us know when they are ready to transition and it also nice to have some guidance to support us in the process.
This is where we are heading with our next several blogs. An exciting part of the process where the client is beginning to think about how to put these thoughts, interests, and motivations into action. I hope everyone is doing as well as possible and you have opportunities to use and practice motivational interviewing.
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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