The process of creating a change plan continues to focus on change talk. This is very similar to the other processes that also includes collaboration, use of OARS, and movement towards change. We want to pay particular attention to the client’s words as they discuss how they would like things to be different. Listening for statements that include desire, ability, reasons, need, and commitment (DARN C) lets us know that the client is ready for change.
The typical progression of a planning process discussion moves from general to specific. Once there is a clear intention to change, the goal is to move into very specific ways for this change to happen. It often includes how the client’s daily routine is going to change to integrate this plan. Please see below statements offered by Miller and Rollnick where a client wants to create a daily study routine:
Desire “That’s what I want to do: study from 6:00 to 8:00 each day.”
Ability “I think I can do that; it seems reasonable.”
Reason “I like it because at 8:00 I’m done and can do other things.”
Need “That’s what I need to do to keep up with my classes.”
Commitment “That’s what I’m going to do: save 6:00 to 8:00 for study 6 days a week.”
These statements express a plan by the client for how to create the change they want moving forward. The client has identified a specific time each day to increase their study time that they think will work. This is an important piece to be listening out for with the client. Making sure the client believes the plan will work. A great plan can be in place, but if the client doesn’t believe it will work, the desired outcome is unlikely to occur.
Once there is a plan in place, it is time to move into action. It may be a good idea to check in a little more frequently with a client during this time and make any adjustments to the plan as needed. We will continue looking at the creation of change plans in the next few blogs. I hope everyone is doing as well as possible and you have opportunities to use and practice motivational interviewing.
For more information about Motivational Interviewing resources, contact Eunice Akinyi Okumu, by phone (919) 843-2532, or by email, eunice_okumu@med.unc.edu