Motivational Interviewing Techniques Flashcards

In motivational interviewing, what does the acronym DARN stand for when exploring change talk?

Answer: Desire, Ability, Reasons, Need

DARN represents the preparatory change talk categories: Desire, Ability, Reasons, and Need for change.

A client says, 'I know I should exercise more, but I just can't find the time.' Which MI technique best addresses this ambivalence?

Answer: Exploring both sides with a double-sided reflection

A double-sided reflection acknowledges both sides of ambivalence, helping the client explore their own feelings without feeling judged.

Which of the following best describes the 'rolling with resistance' technique in MI?

Answer: Shifting perspective without opposing resistance

Rolling with resistance means the coach moves with the client's momentum rather than arguing against it, reframing rather than confronting.

What is the primary purpose of using open-ended questions in motivational interviewing?

Answer: To encourage client elaboration and self-exploration

Open-ended questions invite clients to explore and articulate their own thoughts, values, and motivations.

In MI, 'sustain talk' refers to:

Answer: Statements about maintaining current behavior

Sustain talk consists of the client's arguments for maintaining the status quo and against making change.

A holistic coach using MI notices the client is shifting from sustain talk to change talk. What should the coach do?

Answer: Reflect and reinforce the change talk

When change talk emerges, reflecting and reinforcing it helps the client hear and strengthen their own motivation.

Which MI principle is violated when a coach says, 'You really need to quit that habit—it's clearly harming you'?

Answer: Avoid argumentation

Telling the client what they 'need' to do is argumentative and directive, violating the MI principle of avoiding argumentation.