Your client's actions don't align with their goals. How can you help them bridge the gap in your sessions?

1 Explore Ambivalence

Ambivalence is a natural part of the change process where your clients may feel conflicted between their current behaviors and the desire to change. In your sessions, encourage open discussion about these conflicting feelings without judgment. This approach helps clients articulate their own motivations for change and the barriers they perceive. By validating their feelings and exploring the pros and cons of changing versus staying the same, you empower them to resolve their ambivalence and reinforce their commitment to their goals.

2 Set Realistic Goals

Sometimes the gap between actions and goals stems from setting targets that are too ambitious or vague. Help your clients refine their goals, making them Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). This process makes the objectives clearer and more attainable. In your sessions, work collaboratively to break down larger goals into smaller, incremental steps. This not only makes the journey less daunting but also allows for quick wins that can boost motivation and self-efficacy.

3 Develop a Plan

A well-structured plan bridges the gap between where your clients are and where they want to be. Assist them in developing a detailed action plan that outlines the steps needed to achieve their goals. This plan should include strategies for overcoming obstacles and how to utilize their strengths. Encourage them to anticipate challenges and consider different scenarios, which can help them stay on track even when faced with difficulties.

4 Reflect on Progress

Regular reflection on progress is crucial for maintaining motivation. During your sessions, provide a space for clients to reflect on what they have achieved and what they have learned. This reflection helps to reinforce what is working well and identify what isn’t. Recognize their efforts and progress, no matter how small, as this can be incredibly motivating for clients, reminding them that they are moving forward.

5 Enhance Self-Efficacy

Belief in one's ability to succeed is a powerful motivator. In your sessions, focus on building your client's self-efficacy. Celebrate their successes and help them to understand that setbacks are a normal part of the change process. By helping them to attribute successes to their own efforts and strategies, rather than to external factors, you increase their confidence in their ability to achieve their goals.

6 Evoke Change Talk

Change talk is any self-expressed language that is indicative of a person’s motivations for change. Encourage your clients to express their desire, ability, reasons, and need for change. Through strategic questioning and reflective listening , evoke change talk that reinforces their commitment to their goals. This technique can help shift their perspective from feeling stuck to considering the positive aspects of change and taking action towards their goals.

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?