We listen to clients with empathy and help them work through their reasons both for and against change. What we find is that most clients don’t resist change out of ignorance, but because of genuine obstacles. Using MI, we can guide them in addressing those obstacles and creating their own change plan they’re motivated to follow.
Pic 6: The images and text move off-screen and the split background returns. On the left side is a circle with an image of a word bubble and an arrow pointing from it to another image of a figure running on a treadmill. A circle appears on the right side of the screen with a series of images, each with a forward arrow between. There’s an image of two word bubbles in conversation leading to a notepad with pencil leading to a figure on a bicycle.
This approach makes perfect sense if you think about your own preferences. For example, would you want someone to tell you how to get more exercise, or would you prefer to discuss what you enjoy doing, then collaborate on a plan that’s tailored to your schedule, preferences, and ability?
Pic 7: The images move off screen as it returns to Eva in front of a blank background with a man sitting on a stool next to her whom she gestures at. Text appears next to the man that reads “Dr. Robert Schwartz, MI Expert,” and he waves at the user.
In these conversations, MI expert Dr. Robert Schwartz will coach you in MI techniques and guide you in talking with our virtual clients. Is there anything else we need to know about MI before we get started?
Pic 8: The screen transitions to a close-up of Dr. Schwartz. The words “Change Talk” appear next to him in a stylized word bubble, and the text beneath reads “Any language where a client expresses an interest in change.”
Dr. Schwartz: Well, it’s important to know that many MI techniques are designed to evoke what we call Change Talk.
Pic 9: Below the text a list appears which includes
And that could be explicit or implied argument for change, or just an expressed desire for change. Let’s look at some examples.
Pic 10: The screen transitions to a slide titled “Examples of Change Talk.” There are a series of examples in the form of word bubbles of different versions of change talk.
Pic 11: The screen returns to Dr. Schwartz on the stool. Next to him appears the words “Change Talk” in its stylized form with a line of greyed out small word bubbles underneath. As Dr. Schwartz talks, “Change Talk” moves forward above the line and each small word bubble underneath lights up blue when it passes overhead. When it gets to the end, more text appears next to Dr. Schwartz which reads “Number 1 predictor of actual Change.”
Research shows that the amount of change talk in a conversation is the number one predictor of actual change. So it’s crucial to listen for change talk.
Pic 12: The screen changes to focus on Eva.
Eva: Thanks. In these conversations, you’ll watch health coaches practice identifying and supporting change talk from clients.
By actively listening, you’ll see how using a client’s own words to motivate them can be more effective, and even faster, than simply giving advice.
Letting clients motivate themselves makes it much more likely that, even in a single office visit, you can encourage clients and families to move towardchange and ultimately “talk themselves” into a healthier lifestyle.