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When do we know when a client is ready to move from evoking to planning? After we have discussed and understand why the client is considering changing a behavior, how do we know when they are ready to explore how they are planning to integrate this change into their life?...

There are times when we are working with our clients, where we think there will be some change, and then the client ultimately chooses to maintain the status quo. We may have invested a great deal of time and energy, but we realize the importance of acknowledging and respecting the...

When it appears there is little motivation on behalf of the client or you are not hearing much change talk, one strategy is to hear from them what it is that they do want. By opening up the conversation in this way, it provides an opportunity to not only build...

There may be many reasons why a client wants to maintain the status quo and not change their behavior. The client may be very clear as to why they do not believe making a change is in their best interest. In some situations, there also may be little or no...

In a therapeutic counseling setting, there can be times when the client does not appear motivated to change their behavior. Therefore, it can be a natural instinct on behalf of the clinician to try to educate and persuade the client in order for change to occur. What we know, however,...

If we are working with a client, and it appears that they are not ambivalent about changing their behavior, don’t be so sure. It may be that someone, who is important to them, has suggested that they consider making a change. Oftentimes, it is an employer, dear friend, family member,...

The concept of developing discrepancy has been used since the very beginning of motivational interviewing. It can be a very strong motivational factor for many clients as they consider changing a behavior. The idea is to explore the client’s current behavior and where they would prefer to be. For example,...

This series of blogs has been focusing on counseling with neutrality and not guiding the client in any one direction. The clinician is allowing the client to make their own decision even if the process brings up a great deal of tension for both clinician and client. One approach that...

We have been discussing the situation where the clinician is counseling with neutrality and not guiding the client in any one direction. The clinician is allowing the client to make their own decision even though this approach may bring up a great deal of tension for both clinician and client....

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...

Client: Oh, I don’t want it to take a long time. I want this to be over. Clinician: I do understand how confusing this feels, and I want to help you get through it. It’s hard but you can do this, and we’ll take as long as you need with...

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...