This is a question I often hear from folks learning Motivational Interviewing.
How does giving information and advice fit into Motivational Interviewing??
When we are being directive in conversation, we give information and advice freely. Sometimes, the directive style fits the situation, such as when a client is asking for info and advice or in a crisis.
When we are using Motivational Interviewing, we don’t direct.
We don’t tell people what to do and how to do it.
We recognize the client has values, motivations, and ideas that are important to draw forth into the conversation. We value the client as the starting point for change.
But there is room for our expertise and advice!
We are aiming for a middle ground here- where we elicit and honor the clients’ wisdom and expertise, and there is also room to share ours.
So how do we do it?
We ask first.
First, ask what they know about the particular topic, or what advice they would give themselves.
Then, ask permission to share your information or advice.
(Wait for them to say yes– only once did I have someone say “No thanks!” and it was a super important moment in the relationship for me to respect this boundary!)
FINALLY, you can share that information or advice. Be as brief as you can be here. Don’t make it about you.
Drumroll…. And here is a really, really important part… Ask them what they thought of that information or advice. (Because although you may think that piece of wisdom you just dropped was GREAT, but what is more important is what your client thought of it).
Give them room to agree or disagree. “How does what I shared fit or not fit for you?” or, “What do you make of that?”
Consider Motivational Interviewing as the middle path between directing a client or following a client. We are guiding. Our wisdom or expertise can have a place in this process!
Motivational Interviewing Tip of the Week: When you have advice for a client, ask first. What do they already know about the topic? Ask for permission to share, and once granted, be brief. Don’t forget to check back in with the client- “How does this info or advice fit or not fit for you?”
FREE live webinar. This webinar happens monthly (or you can watch the recording later on YouTube or listen as a podcast!). In November, the Motivational Interviewing and Beyond (MIB) topic is “Inside the conversation about change: What is helpful? Where does hope come in? What is harmful?” Link to register here.
Ok and seriously, isn’t MIB the best acronym ever?? Tell me you know what I mean!
