As we have been exploring, there are numerous signs that a client may be ready to make a change in their lives. We know that most clients will have some ambivalence about a possible change. It may be because they want to keep things the way that they are, the effort that may be involved in the change process, or fear of attempting to make a change and not succeeding.
There can be many reasons why a client may not be ready to make a change. The hope is that there will be some dialogue to discuss this possibility and provide an opportunity for the client to either work through their ambivalence or gain clarity about the choices they are making.
One aspect of the change process that we always want to encourage is the curiosity of the client. If they are asking a lot of questions related to possible change, we want to encourage more. Even if they can鈥檛 imagine how change would be possible, if they are asking questions, they may be looking for some strategies or options of how to move forward.
Below are a few questions offered by Miller and Rollnick a client may ask related to making a change. Notice the intention behind each question and think about ways you might respond:
鈥淲hat happens in this treatment program?鈥�
鈥淗ow could we make our marriage better?鈥�
鈥淲hat do people do to quit smoking鈥�
鈥淗ow likely am I to be able to get my blood sugar down without medication?鈥�
As we all know, the way we respond to these questions can have a big impact on how the client thinks about making a change. The most MI consistent way to respond is to encourage them to explore these questions with their own thoughts and ideas鈥nd eventually come up with their own solutions.
Using the Elicit-Provide-Elicit approach is also a great way to support your client. Attempting to see what they already know about a topic, offering information that you know may be helpful, and seeing what they think about the information shared can be very useful.
When clients are asking questions about a possible change, they are often looking for options and ways to consider making a change. We want to encourage as much exploration as possible and facilitate them in coming up with their own ideas and strategies. 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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