CRC Motivational Interviewing Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In MI, what does 'rolling with resistance' primarily involve?
- Challenging the client's resistance directly
- Avoiding conflict by redirecting rather than opposing (Correct answer)
- Agreeing with everything the client says
- Documenting resistant behaviors for supervision
Correct answer: Avoiding conflict by redirecting rather than opposing
Rolling with resistance means the coach avoids direct confrontation and instead reflects, reframes, or shifts focus to reduce defensiveness.
Question 2: Which MI technique involves repeating a client's exact words back to them?
- Paraphrasing
- Summarizing
- Simple reflection (Correct answer)
- Amplified reflection
Correct answer: Simple reflection
A simple reflection mirrors the client's own words or meaning with minimal interpretation to show attentive listening.
Question 3: A client says 'I know I should quit drinking, but I'm not sure I can.' What type of statement is this?
- Change talk
- Sustain talk
- Ambivalence (Correct answer)
- Resistance
Correct answer: Ambivalence
Ambivalence is when a client expresses both motivation and doubt about change simultaneously.
Question 4: What is the purpose of using an 'importance ruler' in MI?
- To measure the client's IQ
- To assess how important the client rates making a change (Correct answer)
- To rank the severity of substance use
- To evaluate the coach's performance
Correct answer: To assess how important the client rates making a change
The importance ruler (0-10 scale) helps elicit the client's own reasons for valuing change and opens discussion about motivation.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes an 'elaboration' strategy in MI?
- The coach explains the risks of substance use in detail
- The coach asks the client to say more about a change talk statement (Correct answer)
- The coach provides written materials to support change
- The coach summarizes all the session's key points
Correct answer: The coach asks the client to say more about a change talk statement
Elaboration prompts the client to expand on change talk by asking for more details, examples, or the story behind their statement.
Question 6: In the spirit of MI, 'autonomy' means the coach:
- Makes decisions for the client's benefit
- Respects the client's right to choose their own path (Correct answer)
- Avoids setting any goals with the client
- Allows the client to skip appointments freely
Correct answer: Respects the client's right to choose their own path
Honoring autonomy in MI means acknowledging and supporting the client's right and ability to make their own choices.
Question 7: Which MI OARS skill is MOST effective for transitioning between topics in a session?
- Open questions
- Affirmations
- Reflections
- Summaries (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Summaries
Summaries collect and link key points discussed, making them ideal for transitioning between topics or wrapping up a theme.
CRC Motivational Interviewing Techniques 2
In MI, what does 'rolling with resistance' primarily involve?