MORE THAN THERAPYTHE RESOURCE LIBRARY

Motivation & Change / GRP096

Supporter Role Negotiation

Ask a supporter what help they can offer and state what help is unwanted.

30 minutes / 3-12 participants / Adults with appropriate facilitation

Download facilitator PDF · Download participant handout · Open activity / add to session

UNDERSTAND THE IDEA

Ambivalence is a conversation, not a character flaw.

People can want change and also value what the current pattern provides. Explore both without requiring a declaration of readiness. A personally meaningful reason and a feasible next step often provide more useful discussion than arguing that someone should change.

Facilitation lens: Reflect the person's own reasons and ask permission before offering ideas. Avoid labeling disagreement as resistance or lack of caring.

Explore the conceptual background · Broad background, not validation of this original exercise.

Try a different interactive experience in the Activity Lab →

Materials

Paper or a printable handout, Pens or an accessible writing alternative, Optional blank cards or simple drawing materials

Fictional example

A friend wants to help with a new goal.

Invite and agree - 3 minutes

Name the purpose and the right to pass, observe, write, or use fiction. Agree that people share only their own experiences and do not promise absolute group confidentiality.

Introduce the example - 3 minutes

A friend wants to help with a new goal. Ask what is known and what is still a guess.

Practice: Skills rehearsal - 17 minutes

Ask a supporter what help they can offer and state what help is unwanted. Model one short example. Invite a speaker, listener, or observer role; rehearse a low-stakes version and switch roles only by choice.

Reflect together - 4 minutes

What agreement would be specific? Ask what fit, what did not fit, and what would make the exercise more accessible. Do not interpret another person's response.

Choose a next step - 3 minutes

Invite one optional action, support request, or question to carry forward. Passing is a valid closing response. Confirm how to seek appropriate support outside the activity.

Adaptations and fit

Read the example aloud or offer written instructions. Allow typing, pointing, drawing, listening, and a support person where appropriate. Avoid mandatory movement, touch, or eye contact.

Respect ambivalence and the option not to change. Do not use ratings to pressure compliance.

Conceptual reading and review status

Original AI-assisted educational draft; independent clinical review pending. Sources inform general facilitation principles; they do not validate or endorse this original plan.