Motivational interviewing involves a collaborative approach to exploring change. This planning page helps you listen for the person's perspective and avoid turning uncertainty into a contest. Use the client's words, including reasons to maintain the current situation.
How to use this page
Choose one upcoming conversation. Draft a permission question, a balanced reflection, and a way to ask what the client wants next.
Ask and reflect
Try: 'Would it be useful to talk about this today?' Reflect both sides without adding a verdict: 'It offers relief, and you are concerned about what follows.' Invite correction.
Elicit the next choice
Ask what matters to the person and what, if anything, they want to explore. Offer information with permission, then ask how it fits. A decision to revisit later can be meaningful.
Reflection prompts
Use these questions in conversation, on paper, or in the downloaded PDF. You may adapt or skip a prompt.
- What permission question will I use?
- What reasons for and against change have I heard in the client's words?
- What reflection could communicate understanding without persuasion?
- How will I ask the client to choose the next step or pause?