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