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. ​​​​​​​

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