A double-sided reflection is a great way of expressing ambivalence to your client. It’s a short summary of both sides of the ambivalence. It’s basically “You feel two ways about this. On one hand you feel__________and on the other hand you feel____________”. Using the example in the article in this newsletter, you might say to ES, “On […]
The Function of Empathy in Motivational Interviewing
High levels of empathy are key to the MI guiding style. Empathy has been misunderstood as the expression or demonstration of kindness, agreement, acceptance, or concern for the patient. It is more than that. Empathy is not sympathy, ”poor you”, nor is it “I’ve had the same problem”. In Motivational Interviewing, empathy is simply the demonstration of a keen but neutral curiosity for […]
Managing Patient “Resistance” with MI
If your work involves helping people change their behavior, you have probably encountered a “resistant” client. I put the word in quotes because it implies there is something wrong with them. They are resisting something they should want to change and it’s so very clear to you that it’s true. In Motivational Interviewing, we assume […]
MI Practice Tip: Engagement
The basic process of MI, engagement,is the foundation of your relationship with your client, and all that builds on it. To be an effective agent of change, the practitioner must demonstrate engagement at every opportunity, by letting the client know that they are listening and understand the meaning of the proposed change to the client. […]
MI Practice Tip: It’s OK to Drop the Guilt About Food
Motivational Interviewing and a Non-Diet approach work beautifully together. You can let your client know that it’s OK to drop the guilt about food, and look inward to her body’s messages about when, what and how much to eat. Using MI, we are a guide, helping the client to see a new way of looking […]
