HCC Motivational Interviewing Techniques 3

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Respects the client's right to choose their own path

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Why not a 3?

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 5

What is the 'righting reflex' in motivational interviewing?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

(HCC) Holistic Coaching Certification Practice Test