When working in an MI framework we are actively steering a conversation towards the strengthening of a client’s own motivations for change …..from within them. Rather than instilling motivation via our knowledge and enthusiasm, we are evoking it or drawing it out of the client. One way we can do this is by listening for and responding to change talk. In recent issues we have looked at responding to change talk by inviting our clients to ‘say more please’ by elaborating or giving examples (more in Issue 46). This issue will feature a quick look at responding to change talk by affirming it. When practicing affirming, rather than looking for problems and finding solutions we are ‘looking for the good’ and handing it back to the client – after all it is their resource!
#afformations #change talk #oars
