I recently attended a program at my Temple Shalom of Newton, where I am a member. This program was for Slichot, which is the time before the high holidays, the Jewish New Year and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. During this time, we prepare to consider our actions during the past year, to take […]
Using “Wiggle Words” in Motivational Interviewing
An important tenant of MI is that we do not tell others what to do. Who wants to be told what to do, anyway? Even kids don’t like it. Telling others what to do is often rude and disrespectful. Let me be very clear, however. If your job as a health care provider is to […]
Labeling Patients/Clients as “Non-Compliant
There’s an expression in traditional medical practice, which also includes nurses, dietitians, physical therapists, pharmacists and other providers who work with patients. Those who don’t take their medicines as prescribed, eat the right diet, exercise, and do all the other things we are told to do for our health. For many, this becomes a really […]
Are we being “too lenient” when we use MI?
I was conducting an introductory Motivational Interviewing training for dietetic interns this spring, when one student asked me something really interesting. I was talking about the “spirit” of MI, in which we really listen to what our client is saying, and through reflective listening, help them to clarify their own goals and values regarding the […]
