For the next several months, we will “go back to the basics” and explore the four core motivational interviewing skills: Open questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, and Summaries (OARS). Again, we will collaborate with the client and utilize these foundational skills for mutual understanding.
An open question is one that allows the client to express themselves and their experiences as fully as possible. This type of question offers an opportunity for the client to think before they respond and provides a great deal of latitude in terms of how it is answered. The question is often aimed at gathering information and understanding the client from their perspective, experience, and beliefs.
The fun part about open questions is that you get to remain curious about how the client may respond, and from time to time, be surprised.
Examples of open starter questions are:
• Tell me about….
• I am curious to hear more about….
• I’m interested to learn more about…
Or more specifically:
• Can you tell me more about your experiences with substances?
• How has using alcohol impacted your depression?
• I’m interested to learn more about the support people you have in your life. Can you tell me about them?
• Based on our conversation, how do you want your life to be different?
These questions can be used throughout the processes of MI. A general rule of thumb is to offer two reflections per open question.
We will continue to delve into these core MI skills over the next several months.
For more information about Motivational Interviewing resources, contact Eunice Akinyi Okumu, by phone (919) 843-2532, or by email, eunice_okumu@med.unc.edu