I asked this question of my Foundations of MI training cohort today.
MI spirit refers to the attitude or presence we bring to our clients. MI defines spirit as acceptance, compassion, partnership, evocation.
It’s also about bringing the attitude of hope, unconditional positive regard, curiosity, and empathy.
Participants were much quicker at answering the question, “What gets in the way of embodying the MI spirit with clients?”
And of course we are! ‘Cause there is so much that causes us to fall into the opposite of spirit- the Righting Reflex, rushing, talking more than our clients, relying on information-giving and persuasion.
We feel the pressure! The burden! The responsibility! So we jump in there as quick as we know how…
But the presence we bring to our clients makes SUCH a difference.
So how would you answer this question, today, in this moment?
“What helps you embody the spirit of MI?”
My response right now is vacation! I’m out in the woods this week, camping with my girls and dog.
No cell reception, no work, no distractions. Just me and my fam and my Golden Retriever.
Because when I step away, I regain access to that well of compassion, patience, curiosity that is within me. And I can hold that space for my clients.
They need that. And so do I!
Motivational Interviewing Tip of the Week: “What helps you embody the spirit of MI?” Is it reminding yourself you aren’t responsible for your clients’ change? Reaffirming your belief in their worth and capacity? Remembering they have a well of good ideas, experiences, strengths and motivation inside of them? That you don’t have to bring it all? Or maybe it’s time to head to the woods!
