Questions that Motivate a Consideration of Change
Conducting a conversation around
the subject of change is a challenging task, especially if directing the
conversation toward a less than willing individual. Historically such conversations are
structured, task oriented, and designed to “get the individual” to “see and
admit to having a problem.”
Consequently, these conversations typically take on the rhythm and pace
of an interrogation; have you ever done
‘this’; how often have you done ‘that.’
Such interviews are reminiscent of the old adage; Never teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and annoys the pig.
The principles of Motivational
Interviewing outline a very different way to engage individuals in what it
calls, change talk (Miller &
Rollnick, 2012). What follows is a
series of 5 questions from Miller & Rollnick's 3rd edition of their text that increase the likelihood that, as Miller suggests,
one can dance rather than wrestle
with the individual being interviewed regarding change.
1. Why
would you want to make this change?
a. The
abbreviated version: Why change?
i. Benefits/Pros
of change
ii. Risks/costs/cons
of not changing
2. How
might you go about it in order to change?
a. The
abbreviated version: How to succeed
i. Identify
personal strengths – protective factors
ii. Cope
with challenges – resiliency skills
3. What
are several of the best reasons to make this change?
a. Selfish
reasons
b. All
around good reasons?
4. How
important is it for you to make this change?
a. Mentally
i. Peace of mind
b. Physically
i. Wellness
c. Spiritually
i. Connectedness; feeling “part of” something
rather than “apart from” everything
5. So,
what do you think you will do now?
a. What
half-step can you make to begin
moving towards change?
Miller, W. & Rollnick,
S., 2012. Motivational Interviewing:
Preparing people for change, 3rd Edition. Guilford press
