Your client seems distant during Motivational Interviewing. How can you break through their barriers?

Never underestimate the power of small talk to warm up a client and "assume" rapport. One interesting pattern I always notice is that the closer I am to someone (e.g., a friend), the less I actively try to build rapport. Why would I? We already know each other well enough. So, by engaging in small talk, you are "assuming" rapport and putting the client in a frame of familiarity and comfort.

Stellen Sie sich vor, Sie würden mit einem guten Bekannten zusammen sitzen oder mit einem Menschen, den Sie gerne kennenlernen m?chten. Diese natürliche Art hilft Ihnen, in das Gespr?ch einzusteigen. Vermeiden Sie Formalsprache, die aufgesetzt oder bürokratisch wirkt. Wenn ihr Kunde auf Distanz geht, seine Skepsis jedoch nicht von selbst anspricht, bauen Sie eine Brücke, in dem Sie das Gespr?ch auf das Thema lenken. Je selbstverst?ndlicher Sie auf ein unangenehmes Thema eingehen, umso leichter baut sich eine Distanz ab.

Building rapport isn't just about initial conversations; it's about ongoing connection. Move beyond small talk by finding genuine common ground or shared interests that resonate deeply with your client. Subtle non-verbal cues, like mirroring their body language or tone, can also foster a sense of understanding and trust. Regularly revisiting and acknowledging progress made together reinforces the bond, turning the therapist-client relationship into a collaborative partnership.

Silence could be your friend in this situation. There is a temptation to jump to the next step, question or action. Truly pausing soaking in what is being shared with some meaning let's our clients know that we are truly taking in what has been given to us.

Reflective listening is more than echoing back what’s said; it’s about capturing the emotional undercurrent. Go deeper by reflecting feelings that are implied but not directly stated. For instance, if a client says, "I’ve tried before, but it never works," instead of simply reflecting, “It sounds like you’re frustrated,” try, “It seems like there’s a fear of repeating past disappointments.” This deeper reflection can help uncover unspoken emotions and reduce resistance.

Seek to understand rather than to be understood. Reflections and questions that can go below the surface can support exploration with those we are connecting with. We have to be careful when our questions are leading to a certain path. We are here to be open to possibilities and choices that our clients get to make.

Use open-ended questions that are intentionally thought-provoking and encourage introspection. Instead of asking, “What do you want to change?”, ask, “What would life look like if this change happened?” This not only invites them to envision a positive outcome but also shifts the focus from problems to possibilities. Open questions should be framed to gently challenge the client’s assumptions, creating space for new perspectives to emerge.

Die St?rken Ihres Gegenüber zu erkennen und anzusprechen ist ein wesentlicher Teil der motivierenden Gespr?chsführung. Doch Vorsicht! Als Mittel zum Zweck ist diese Vorgehensweise nicht zu empfehlen. Selbst bei einem kurzzeitigen Erfolg, wird es die Gespr?chs-/Beziehungsebene nachhaltig sch?digen, wenn St?rken taktisch oder aufgesetzt angesprochen werden. Ehrlichkeit ist immer die Basis. Wenn Sie eine St?rke Ihres Kunden ansprechen, erl?utern Sie Ihre Sichtweise. Beispiel: ?Sie sind kommunikationsstark.? Das klingt nett, aber Wirkung hat es wenig. Deutlich st?rker wirkt: ?Sie sind kommunikationsstark, weil Sie frühzeitig und sehr anschaulich informieren. Damit gewinnen Sie das Vertrauen und das Verst?ndnis Ihrer Mitarbeiter.?

When affirming strengths, specificity is key. Rather than general compliments, tie affirmations to specific actions or qualities. For example, instead of saying, “You’re resilient,” say, “Your ability to keep moving forward despite setbacks shows incredible resilience.” This not only reinforces their strengths but also provides a clear narrative that they can draw upon in future challenges, making the affirmation more impactful and sincere.

Ambivalence is often rooted in conflicting values or fears. Encourage the client to voice both sides of their ambivalence without judgment. For instance, if they’re torn between maintaining the status quo and making a change, ask them to articulate what’s appealing about each option. This exploration can reveal underlying motivations, allowing them to see that ambivalence is a natural part of the change process, not a barrier to it.

A lot can happen over a cup of coffee. So always go for that talk & try to break that ice why this are not going as per plan. When you give logic with reason things become easy to understand.

To effectively elicit change talk, focus on amplifying the client’s own language around change. Pay attention to any glimmers of desire, ability, or reasons for change that they express, however slight. Gently prompt them to expand on these thoughts with questions like, “What makes you feel that changing now might be different than before?” or “How could these changes improve your life?” The goal is to help them connect emotionally with the benefits of change, turning abstract ideas into tangible motivation.

The client needs to have their feelings validated. This creates space for them to open up and express their feelings. They may also express their needs and how they can be met.