motivational interviewing example script

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13-10-2024

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Motivational Interviewing in Action: A Sample Script for Change

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a powerful, client-centered approach to guiding individuals towards positive change. It focuses on evoking intrinsic motivation by exploring the client's own reasons for change and building self-efficacy.

This article presents a sample script for a motivational interviewing session, illustrating key principles and techniques. Remember, this is just a starting point; real-life sessions will vary depending on the individual and their situation.

Scenario: A patient named Sarah is struggling with smoking cessation. She has tried to quit in the past but has always relapsed.

Therapist: "Hi Sarah, thanks for coming in today. I know you've been thinking about quitting smoking. I'm here to listen and support you in any way I can."

Sarah: "Yeah, I really want to quit. It's bad for my health and I hate the smell on my clothes."

Therapist: "It sounds like you're really motivated to make a change. Can you tell me more about why quitting is important to you?"

Sarah: "I'm worried about getting lung cancer. Plus, I want to be able to run with my kids without getting winded."

(This section demonstrates the use of open-ended questions to encourage the client to explore their reasons for change.)

Therapist: "That's really important to you. How confident are you that you can quit this time?"

Sarah: "Honestly, not very. I've tried before and always failed."

Therapist: "I hear your concern. What were some of the challenges you faced in the past?"

Sarah: "Stress at work makes me want to smoke. I also miss the social aspect of smoking with friends."

(The therapist acknowledges the client's concerns and avoids arguing or pushing for change. Instead, they explore the client's experience and build empathy.)

Therapist: "It sounds like you've identified some key challenges. How do you think you might overcome them this time?"

Sarah: "Maybe I could try stress-reduction techniques instead of smoking. And I could find new ways to connect with friends that don't involve smoking."

(This demonstrates the use of reflective listening and encouraging the client to generate their own solutions.)

Therapist: "That's a great idea. Have you tried any stress-reduction techniques before? What do you think might work for you?"

Sarah: "I've tried yoga in the past and it helped. Maybe I could try that again."

Therapist: "That's a great starting point. We can explore other stress-reduction strategies together if you'd like."

(The therapist reinforces the client's self-efficacy by acknowledging their strengths and suggesting further exploration of potential solutions.)

Therapist: "It sounds like you're really ready to take steps towards quitting. What's the first step you'd like to take?"

Sarah: "Maybe I could start by making a plan to reduce my smoking gradually."

Therapist: "Excellent. That's a great first step. Are you open to working together to create a plan that works for you?"

(The therapist helps the client to set a concrete goal and develop a plan to achieve it.)

This script demonstrates the key elements of motivational interviewing:

• Building rapport and trust: The therapist creates a non-judgemental, supportive environment where Sarah feels comfortable sharing her thoughts and feelings.
• Exploring the client's motivation: By asking open-ended questions, the therapist helps Sarah identify her own reasons for wanting to quit smoking.
• Rolling with resistance: The therapist acknowledges Sarah's concerns and avoids directly confronting her resistance.
• Focusing on the client's strengths: The therapist acknowledges Sarah's previous attempts to quit and encourages her to develop a plan based on her own experiences.
• Developing a plan for change: The therapist supports Sarah in setting a concrete goal and creating a plan that is tailored to her needs.

Additional considerations:

• Use of "OARS": This acronym represents the core techniques of MI: Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections, and Summaries. The script above demonstrates each of these techniques.
• Client autonomy: The therapist does not force Sarah to quit, but rather empowers her to make her own choices.
• Developing a shared understanding: The therapist works with Sarah to establish a common understanding of the goals and challenges involved in quitting smoking.

Applying MI in practice:

Motivational interviewing can be applied in a variety of settings, including healthcare, addiction treatment, and coaching. It is a valuable tool for helping individuals make positive changes in their lives. By adopting the principles of MI, practitioners can empower clients to identify their own motivations for change and develop effective strategies for achieving their goals.

References:

• Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change. Guilford Press.