Motivational Interviewing
First of all, it is essential to dwelling upon the definition of motivational interviewing (MI) and its core aspects and goals. As Matulich (2013) defines it in his video, motivational interviewing is an efficient way to talk with the person about the change, which he or she has to make. This definition is relatively simple, but it effectively summarises the core idea of MI. Matulich (2013) argues that people are often uncertain about various decisions in their lives. This ambivalence is the source of anxiety for them, and, to avoid this uncertainty, many individuals procrastinate (ATTC Network, 2014). Matulich (2013) emphasizes that this state of mind should not be misinterpreted as resistance to change because it is a natural behavioral pattern, which occurs in such a situation. The ultimate goal of a motivational interviewer is to help the client to make a decision, using the principles of partnership, acceptance, compassion, and evocation (Matulich, 2013).
Motivational Interviewing Skills
Efficient motivational interviewing demands the use of four key skills, which are grouped under the acronym OARS. It stands for the following attributes: open questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries (Matulich, 2013). Firstly, the author emphasizes the importance of asking open questions rather than simple yes/no questions. For example, it is more efficient to ask “What role does the alcohol play in your life?” than “How much alcohol do you drink?” (Matulich, 2013). Secondly, it is essential to adequately praise the client with the statements like “You are doing hard work,” “You have successfully changed the situation,” “I know it took a lot of courage to come to this interview, and I appreciate that.” Thirdly, reflective listening is a vital part of any MI. The interviewer has to understand the client’s feelings and be able to express it in a slightly different form for the consideration of the client. Finally, the skill of summarizing is of high importance since it provides a more extended summary of the client’s reasonings and the interviewer’s reflections (Matulich, 2013). The interviewer should be able to selectively include each major statement from the client about the change.
References
ATTC Network. (2014). Part One: Motivational interviewing in an integrated care setting (nurse practitioner scenario). Web.
Matulich, B. (2013). Introduction to motivational interviewing. Web.
Coloradoguidelines. (2009). Motivational interviewing: Evoking commitment to change. Web.