The Motivational Interviewing term “Roll with Resistance” morphed into “Dancing with Discord” in the newest edition of the MI book.
Why?
Because it’s really, really important to not write off clients as “resistant.”
Think about it. What causes resistance?
Something isn’t working.
And if something isn’t working, this is a chance for us to revisit our role in that.
Maybe you are ahead of the client in terms of readiness to change. Maybe you are giving too much advice or not listening enough.
Can you pause and get curious about what might be contributing to the clients resistance? (What has been helpful to you when you have felt resistant to change?)
The term “discord” more adequately describes how resistance is a product of the interpersonal interaction.
Dancing with Discord reminds us that we have a role in that dance.
I had a super fun interview with Jeffrey, the “Running EP” (exercise physiologist) and we hit on this topic, among others! Jeffrey lives in Sydney, Australia. What listeners will get from this episode is learning more about MI as brief intervention, the importance of relationship building in the initial encounter, our role in patient resistance & discord, information about the 4 Processes of MI. Lots of stuff!
Here’s the link to the Podcast!
Motivational Interviewing Tip of the Week: When you notice resistance to change ratcheting up for your clients (i.e. the discord between you and the client is increasing), this is an opportunity to look at what you may be doing to contribute to that discord. Are you getting ahead of their readiness to change? Do you need to revisit engagement & rapport building with the client? Listen more? Talk less? Time to get curious!
