How can you use MI to develop your client's problem-solving skills?

1 Identify the problem

The first step is to help your client identify the problem that they want to solve. You can use open-ended questions, reflections, and summaries to elicit your client's perspective, feelings, and concerns about the problem. For example, you can ask: "What is the most pressing issue that you are facing right now?" or "How does this problem affect your life?" You can also reflect back what you hear from your client, such as: "It sounds like you are feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by this situation." or "You are worried about the consequences of not solving this problem." By doing this, you can show empathy, build rapport, and clarify the problem.

2 Explore the options

The next step is to help your client explore the possible options for solving the problem. You can use the OARS skills (open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries) to guide your client to generate and evaluate their own solutions. For example, you can ask: "What have you tried before to deal with this problem?" or "What are some other ways that you can think of to address this issue?" You can also affirm your client's strengths, values, and efforts, such as: "You have shown a lot of courage and creativity in trying different strategies." or "You have a clear vision of what you want to achieve." By doing this, you can support your client's autonomy, confidence, and motivation.

3 Choose a plan

The third step is to help your client choose a plan that suits their needs and preferences. You can use the DECIDE acronym (define, explore, compare, identify, decide, and evaluate) to facilitate your client's decision-making process. For example, you can ask: "What are the pros and cons of each option?" or "How do these options align with your values and goals?" You can also reflect back your client's preferences, priorities, and criteria, such as: "You prefer a solution that is simple and effective." or "You value your health and well-being above everything else." By doing this, you can enhance your client's commitment, responsibility, and satisfaction.

4 Implement and review

The final step is to help your client implement and review their plan. You can use the SMART acronym (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) to help your client set realistic and actionable goals. For example, you can ask: "What are the specific steps that you will take to execute your plan?" or "How will you measure your progress and success?" You can also use the EARS skills (elicit, affirm, reflect, and summarize) to provide feedback and encouragement to your client. For example, you can ask: "How did it go when you tried your plan?" or "What did you learn from this experience?" You can also affirm your client's achievements, efforts, and learning, such as: "You have done a great job in following your plan." or "You have learned a lot from this challenge." By doing this, you can reinforce your client's behavior change, self-efficacy, and problem-solving skills.

5 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?