Your client is resistant to change. How can you uncover their deeper motivations?

1 Explore Values

To uncover your client's deeper motivations, begin by exploring their core values. Engage in conversations that help them articulate what truly matters to them in life. This process often reveals a discrepancy between their current behaviors and the life they desire, which can be a powerful motivator for change. By focusing on what they cherish most, you can help them see how changing could lead to a more congruent and fulfilling life.

2 Listen Actively

Active listening is a cornerstone of Motivational Interviewing. It involves giving your full attention to your client, reflecting back what you hear, and validating their feelings without judgment. Through this empathetic engagement, you can help your client feel understood and accepted, which can lower their resistance and open up space for them to express ambivalence about change. This expression is a crucial step towards exploring their motivations more deeply.

3 Reflect Discrepancies

A key technique in MI is to reflect discrepancies between your client's current behavior and their broader goals or values. By gently highlighting these inconsistencies, you can help your client recognize how their current actions may be hindering their progress towards what they truly want. This awareness can create an internal discomfort that motivates change, as the desire to resolve the discrepancy grows.

4 Evoke Change Talk

Change talk refers to any self-expressed language that indicates a client's consideration of, motivation for, or commitment to change. Your role is to evoke this kind of dialogue by asking open-ended questions, listening for change talk, and responding in ways that reinforce the client's own arguments for change. This technique helps clients verbalize their desire to change, which can strengthen their motivation.

5 Develop Autonomy

For motivation to be sustainable, it must come from within the client. Therefore, it's important to foster a sense of autonomy by supporting the client's right to self-direction. Encourage them to make their own choices and take responsibility for their actions. When clients feel in control of their change process, they are more likely to be invested in it and to work towards their goals.

6 Plan Action Steps

Once your client's motivations are clear, collaborate on creating a realistic action plan. This plan should include small, achievable steps that lead towards the larger goal. The process of planning can further enhance motivation, as it translates abstract desires into concrete actions. By setting clear expectations and celebrating small successes, you help build momentum for sustained change.