In Motivational Interviewing, OARS skills are used to guide conversation. We are metaphorically ‘rowing’ toward change with our OARS!
This is the second message in a 4-part series on OARS! Click here to read last week’s post on Open-ended questions!
This week, we are doing a dive into the skill of Affirmations. Next week, I’ll cover Reflections, and finally, Summaries at the end of the month! So here we go!
Affirmations shine a spotlight on a client’s strengths, efforts, and intentions. Affirmations help counterbalance negative thoughts and struggles. And surely, when people are striving for change in their lives, they NEED to be in touch with their strengths! It feels good to have your efforts recognized!
Affirmations in MI are a specific form of reflection, typically starting with the word “you.” We strive to keep “I” out of affirmations, and make them as specific as possible. Notice the difference in this general affirmation “I think you have done a great job this week!” versus “You have remained focused and persistent this past week despite juggling the demands of work & virtual school with your kids.”
What is an affirmation you remember receiving? Would love to hear! I still recall when my husband came over to me one night when I was on the computer scheduling things for returning emails. He said, “You take care of so many things for this family that I’m not even aware of.” Doesn’t that feel good?! When an affirmation lands, you get the sense that someone sees you, gets you, you have value and strength. It’s a gooooood feelin’.
Motivational Interviewing Tip of the Week: I invite you to set an intention as you meet with a client to look for opportunities to affirm. What underlying strengths are you noticing? What efforts are they putting into their work or their lives? What positive intentions are shining through the struggle? Let me know how your affirmation practice goes!
