Motivational Interviewing Techniques Flashcards

What distinguishes 'complex reflections' from 'simple reflections' in MI practice?

Answer: Complex reflections add meaning, emotion, or inference beyond what was said

Complex reflections go beyond mirroring by adding depth—inferring emotion, amplifying meaning, or reframing the client's statement.

In the MI spirit framework, 'autonomy' means the coach:

Answer: Respects the client's right to choose their own path

Honoring autonomy means the coach respects that the client is the expert on their own life and has the right to choose their direction.

A client rates their readiness to change as a 4 out of 10. An MI-consistent follow-up question would be:

Answer: Why not a 3?

Asking 'Why not a lower number?' elicits the client's own reasons for readiness, surfacing their existing motivation.

Which of the following is an example of an affirmation in MI?

Answer: 'I'm impressed that you kept your appointment despite a difficult week.'

A genuine MI affirmation recognizes a specific strength or effort the client demonstrated without being patronizing or evaluative.

What is the 'righting reflex' in motivational interviewing?

Answer: The coach's impulse to fix the client's problem by giving advice

The righting reflex is a coach's instinct to correct, advise, or persuade—an impulse that MI practitioners must consciously resist.

In MI, which approach best supports the development of discrepancy?

Answer: Helping the client explore gaps between current behavior and stated values

Developing discrepancy means helping clients notice the gap between where they are and where they want to be, using their own values as the reference.

When a client expresses commitment language like 'I will start meditating this week,' the MI practitioner should:

Answer: Reflect and explore the commitment to solidify it

Reflecting commitment language back and exploring it helps strengthen the client's resolve and supports follow-through.