Category: Conversations About Change

One way to assess how important changing a behavior is to the client is to ask them using an Importance Ruler. This ruler invites the client to rate their level of perceived importance on a scale (Butler, Rollnick, Cohen, Russell, Bachmann, & Scott, 1999). The scale typically ranges from 0...

When MI was originally developed, the purpose was to support a client in strengthening both motivation and commitment to making a change. And even though we are present there with the client, the ultimate choice of whether to make a change is up to them. In some situations, it may...

When a client is in the process of making a change, and exploring ambivalence, it can be extremely intense. They may clearly see the benefits of the change but also the amount of effort that may be involved. The client may feel that it is just easier, and safer, to...

In counseling situations where there is a change goal for the client, there is likely ambivalence too. Therefore, the clinician has a decision to make. Should the clinician remain neutral or support movement in a particular direction? A different approach would be needed for the clinician in each situation. In...

In many situations where someone is attempting to change a behavior, there is often discomfort. Even though most of us know, that once a change is made, we often feel much better. This process of making a change can be extremely difficult. The client can get stuck and go back...

As we have learned, MI has been developed to strengthen a person’s motivation for and commitment to making a particular change in their lives. And our role as counselors, is to guide them in making a choice. However, we are also aware that making a choice is always left up...

I hope there have been some interesting and helpful posts along the way. I like to think of MI as a conversation about the possibility of change, integration, or adherence of a new behavior where we empower and support the client in creating the change they want in their lives....