Reflecting Change Talk

Of these tactics, reflections are the most nuanced and are a great tool for responding to change talk. Let's try it.

Which of these best reflects the Change Talk in this statement?

Smoking marijuana after school makes it hard to do my homework.

1. Marijuana helps you relax.
2. Smoking gets in the way of doing your homework.
3. School is stressful for you.
4. Is smoking more important than getting good grades?

Feedback: The correct answer is B. This reflects a possible reason for change, which is change talk.

Which of these best reflects the change talk in this statement?

The thing is, all my friends drink probably too much. But, if I quit, I won't have any friends. I'd just stay home with nothing to do.

1. That would be pretty lonely.
2. You think you and your friends might drink too much, and at the same time you want to hang out with them.
3. You want to hang out with your friends, and at the same time you and your friends might drink too much.
4. You don't like how much your friends drink?

The correct answer is C. This double-sided reflection ends with change talk, inviting the patient to say more about their reasons for change.