How can you use the "decisional balance" technique to explore change?

1 What is the decisional balance?

The decisional balance is a simple but powerful tool that helps you and your client weigh the benefits and costs of changing and not changing a behavior. For example, if your client is considering quitting smoking, you can use the decisional balance to explore the advantages and disadvantages of smoking and quitting. The decisional balance can be done verbally, visually, or in writing, depending on your client's preference and situation.

2 Why use the decisional balance?

The decisional balance can be a useful tool in Motivational Interviewing (MI) for building rapport and empathy with your client, as well as enhancing their awareness of the discrepancy between their current behavior and their values, goals, or needs. It can also help to elicit change talk, which expresses a desire, ability, reason, or need for change, while reducing sustain talk that expresses a preference for maintaining the status quo. Finally, it can strengthen your client's commitment and confidence for change by highlighting the positive outcomes and coping strategies.

3 How to use the decisional balance?

The decisional balance can be used at any stage of MI, but it is especially useful when your client is in the preparation or contemplation stage, when they are still unsure or ambivalent about change. Asking for permission to introduce the decisional balance is the first step, followed by eliciting the pros and cons of the current behavior and the change. You can also use a visual or written aid to illustrate the balance. After completing the decisional balance, explore how your client feels about the results and reinforce any change talk that emerges. Additionally, if you encounter any resistance, use MI strategies such as rolling with resistance, reframing, or emphasizing choice. Ultimately, this technique will help you inform and reassure stakeholders, as well as provide valuable insights for improving your cloud security posture.

4 What are some tips for using the decisional balance?

The decisional balance is a flexible and adaptable technique that can be tailored to your client's needs and preferences. To make the most of it, be curious and respectful of your client's views and experiences. Collaborate with them in a supportive way and be balanced and comprehensive in eliciting and summarizing the pros and cons. Additionally, be responsive and flexible to your client's needs and preferences, adjusting the timing, length, and format of the decisional balance as needed. By following these tips, you can explore and understand your client's ambivalence and motivation without manipulating or directing them.

5 How to practice the decisional balance?

The decisional balance is a skill that can be learned and improved with practice and feedback. To hone your skills, you should review the MI principles and skills, observe and analyze examples of the decisional balance in action, and practice with real or simulated clients or mentors. Additionally, getting feedback on your performance is essential to identify your strengths and areas for improvement. This will help you to enhance your competence and confidence in using the decisional balance.

6 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?