How can you increase a client's motivation for change?

1 What is motivation?

Motivation is the desire and willingness to do something, especially something that requires effort or sacrifice. Motivation can be influenced by internal factors, such as values, beliefs, emotions, and goals, and external factors, such as rewards, consequences, social norms, and expectations. Motivation can also vary depending on the stage of change that your client is in, from precontemplation to maintenance.

2 How does motivational interviewing work?

Motivational interviewing is a collaborative and client-centered approach that aims to elicit and strengthen your client's own motivation for change. It is not a technique or a set of rules, but a style and a spirit that can be adapted to different contexts and situations. Motivational interviewing works by following four principles: expressing empathy, developing discrepancy, rolling with resistance, and supporting self-efficacy.

5 How can you roll with resistance?

Resistance is any sign of reluctance or opposition to change that your client may display, such as arguing, denying, minimizing, or avoiding. Resistance is not a sign of failure or defiance, but a natural and expected reaction to change that indicates your client's ambivalence or uncertainty. You can roll with resistance by avoiding confrontation or persuasion, reflecting your client's feelings and concerns, reframing your client's statements, and offering choices and options.

6 How can you support self-efficacy?

Self-efficacy is the belief that your client has in their ability to achieve their goals and overcome their challenges. Self-efficacy is crucial for enhancing your client's confidence and commitment to change, and for preventing relapse or setback. You can support self-efficacy by acknowledging your client's autonomy and responsibility, reinforcing your client's past successes and resources, providing information and feedback, and collaborating on a realistic and achievable action plan.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?