OARS: Affirmations! A good MI training differentiates between cheerleading and affirming.
Do YOU have an inner cheerleader?
I know I do!
That inner cheerleader loves to throw my hands in the air and clap and wave as I holler, “YOU GOT THIS! GO TEAM!! Woohoooo!!!”
Cheering is awesome! Sometimes we need a cheerleader. I sure appreciate having people in my court when I’m trying to do something big and important.
(Yes…a “but” is coming)
But affirming in Motivational Interviewing is different from cheerleading.
A good MI training will differentiate these.
Cheerleading shows up when we see a need, and want to help someone get over what might be preventing progress. Cheering may be words of encouragement or praise.
(And gosh, if we are praising clients, what a risky dynamic THAT sets up. “I am proud of you when you _____” infers “I am not proud of you when you_____”)…
Affirmations are a bit different!
Affirmations highlight a person’s strengths, abilities, and efforts. Affirmations typically start with “You” as the beginning of the sentence.
“You are determined” vs. “I think you are determined”- they land differently!
Affirmations are about them, and do not depend on us.
Taking a MI training will help you practice the difference between cheerleading and affirming.
Quiz- Affirmation or Cheer?
“You are doing so well!”
“You have applied yourself and worked so hard to make this change.”
“You are an awesome mom.”
“You are someone who cares deeply for your children, and is willing to fight to keep them.”
“You are rocking sobriety!”
“You have great determination to create a different life for yourself.”
(Answers: Cheer, Affirmation, Cheer, Affirmation, Cheer, Affirmation)
Motivational Interviewing Tip of the Week: Put on your strengths magnifying glass, and set aside those Pom Poms! What are the underlying strengths your client is displaying? Consider phrasing an affirmation beginning with “you” as you reflect and highlight that person’s strengths.
Check out our MI training platform! We offer beginners through advanced MI training! Click here to learn more
Related Posts
Motivational Interviewing Rewires the Brain. There’s a Motivational Interviewing course for that!
This week, in the US, many of us celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. It’s a holiday with an interesting history that I won’t go address here… but it does have me thinking about gratitude and the power of what we pay attention to. Thanksgiving holiday tends to invite...
Related Posts
Motivational Interviewing for SELF Change!
You may be recovering from the intensity of the holidays, or perhaps your holiday season was rejuvenating and nourishing. Or, a little of both?! First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Don’t fall into the New Year's Resolutions trap! Only 9% of people actually complete New...
Let’s Learn Together!
Hi, I’m Hillary Bolter. At MI Center for Change, Motivational Interviewing is our passion. Motivational Interviewing will help you become more effective and efficient as you support clients’ change!
