How often, in an attempt to ask an open ended question, have you received a closed response? Typically, asking someone \u201chow was your day?\u201d to hear a response of \u201cgood\u201d. Asking instead a curious question such as \u201cwhat did you do today?\u201d or \u201cwhat was the most interesting part of your day?\u201d increases the possibility of discovering more about the person\u2019s day:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When initiating and supporting behaviour change in others it is imperative that the clinician or helper fully understand the challenges a client faces in undertaking behaviour change. Using a curious approach with questions in motivational interviewing enables the clinician or helper to gain greater understanding of the client\u2019s ambivalence or dilemma in terms of the behaviour change (Boness et al 2021, Figili & Caverni 2021). This provides the clinician or helper with a wealth of information about the costs and benefits of the behaviour from the client\u2019s perspective. Being willing to accept the client\u2019s position and discuss his\/her perspective does not mean that the clinician or helper necessarily agrees with the behaviour: it does, however, indicate their desire to understand it, and this embodies the collaborative spirit of motivational interviewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When questioning in a curious manner there are a few tips to remember:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ASK questions using:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n WHAT, WHERE, HOW, WHEN, WHO, WHAT IF, TELL ME MORE \u2026? Do not ask WHY?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Asking \u201cwhy\u201d can be perceived as challenging or provocative and generally does not demonstrate the collaborative nature of motivational interviewing. Also, in the case of the person who does not know \u201cwhy,\u201d this can lead to a level of frustration or loss of hope. In motivational interviewing the clinician or helper needs to think carefully about question construction to avoid asking \u201cwhy\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not give advice or instruction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If specific instruction or education is required as part of a motivational interviewing interaction this can be provided after the clinician or helper has asked for permission to share the information, and after he\/she has fully understood the clients\u2019 perspective through the use of curious exploration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not share your own thoughts\/experience<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Clinician or helper self-disclosure is sometimes used to develop trust and rapport in helping relationships or to provide\/reinforce an educational message. When using a motivational interviewing approach, however, the clinician or helper seeks solely to understand the client\u2019s perspective and their expertise regarding the behaviour change and does not influence the process with the use of self-disclosure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be interested, curious, and almost confused, or naive in your motivational interviewing approach. \u201cI am not sure I really understand\u2026\u201d. What about the\u2026?\u201d \u201cWhat do you mean by \u2018not sure\u2019\u2026?\u201d \u201cWhat does \u2018bitchy\u2019 mean?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n