Explore/Enhance Motivation

Use the conversation to explore your patient/client's personal and compelling reasons for change. It is important to develop discrepancy, assess readiness to change and roll with resistance.

Develop Discrepancy

The following flip cards show examples of developing discrepancy. TAP to flip between exploring a patient/client's motivation for and against using substances.

FOR: What are some of the good things about your drinking?

AGAINST: On the flip side, what are some of the things that are getting in the way?

FOR: It sounds like when you first started drinking there were benefits.

AGAINST: Now, however it sounds like there are (some) problems. Tell me more about that.

FOR: On one hand, you like to party with your friends and want to continue.

AGAINST: On the other hand you've had two DUIs and received warnings from your boss for coming in late which could lead to you losing your job.

This can support self-efficacy too.

AGAINST: So even though you have not been able to stop drinking altogether...

FOR: ...it sounds like you are working hard to cut down. How is that going for you?

Assess Readiness to Change

Identify where to begin the process of negotiating and planning behavior change. Listen for phrases that show an intent to change, such as "I want", "I need", or "maybe I should".

An optional tool is a readiness ruler, which can address importance, confidence, and readiness.

Roll with Resistance

"You don’t think that abstinence would work for you right now."

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