We are all familiar with the collaborative approach MI offers to the clinician and client. This approach helps to 鈥渓evel the playing field鈥� and reduces hierarchy in the relationship. In addition, working collaboratively can build trust and rapport. The key is to make sure the client feels the support and guidance of the clinician but to know that they will be doing the 鈥渉eavy lifting鈥� in the sessions to integrate new behaviors moving forward.
When the clinician and client have moved along in the MI processes or tasks, and are in the planning process, one specific way to work together to strengthen commitment is to discuss certain challenges or obstacles that may arise. Having a plan is a great step in the process, but we also know that it may not go exactly as discussed. Talking about several possible scenarios that may come up 鈥渙ut in the real world鈥� can be helpful to the client. Please see below a couple of situations offered by Miller and Rollnick:
鈥淣ow suppose that you鈥檙e on day 4 of not smoking. You鈥檙e through some of the worst of the withdrawal, and you鈥檙e at an outdoor caf茅 with a friend who takes out a pack, taps one out and offers it to you. Suddenly, you feel a tremendous desire for a cigarette. How might you get through that without smoking?鈥�
鈥淪ometimes patients have told me that they just forget to take their medication, or don鈥檛 have it with them if they have meals away from home. What would work for you to be sure you take it with breakfast and dinner every day?鈥�
As the clinician and client discuss these scenarios and collaboratively problem solve, the result will often be more change talk from the client. Another benefit that may surface from this approach includes coping strategies offered by the client with any challenges related to changing their behavior. Perhaps the client recognizes that they will need additional support from family and friends as they consider making changes.聽By discussing these scenarios, the client becomes more prepared, and more trust and rapport builds between clinician and client. They can fine tune the plan moving forward and talk about when they may want to put the plan into action. In follow-up sessions, they can talk about how things are going and discuss any changes needing to be made.聽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 Doreen Alumaya, Doreen_alumaya@med.unc.edu or Dr. Carol Colin, carol_golin@med.unc.edu
Motivational Interviewing Beyond 黑料网
The 黑料网 Center for AIDS Research Social and Behavioral Sciences Research Core offers Motivational Interviewing trainings throughout the year. These trainings are either general in nature, focused on the basics of Motivational Interviewing, or very specific, related to a research project, health issue, a particular focus area, etc. If you would like to review our entire menu of Motivational Interviewing services please click聽here ()
I am often asked about Motivational Interviewing resources by practitioners and wanted to share the two that I usually turn to for knowledge and demonstrations. The first is Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change Third Edition by Miller and Rollnick (please add link: (MI Blog 3.1.20.docx). The book introduces the 4 processes of MI as well as discusses ways to integrate MI into everyday practice.聽聽Another resource is the DVD set that was based on the book also titled Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change (please add link:聽聽. The two DVD set includes 6 hours of video and 14 example interviews. Two great resources for anyone experienced or new to Motivational Interviewing.聽
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