Communication and Motivational Techniques Flashcards

IAHC coaches use 'motivational enhancement' strategies primarily to address:

Answer: Client ambivalence and low motivation toward health change

Motivational enhancement techniques resolve ambivalence and strengthen clients' intrinsic reasons to change by evoking their own motivations.

When a client receives difficult health news and feels overwhelmed, IAHC coaching communication prioritizes:

Answer: Providing emotional support and normalizing the reaction before moving to problem-solving

IAHC coaching emphasizes meeting clients emotionally where they are before transitioning to goal-setting or problem-solving.

A health coach trained by IAHC uses silence strategically during sessions. This technique is most effective for:

Answer: Giving clients space to process thoughts and generate their own insights

Strategic silence creates space for deeper client reflection and often leads to the most meaningful insights, especially after a powerful question.

What is the IAHC coaching role during a 'teachable moment' — when a client has just experienced a health scare?

Answer: Empathetically explore the experience and support the client in making informed, motivated decisions

A teachable moment increases receptivity to change, and the IAHC coach's role is to support self-directed reflection and decision-making with empathy, not exploitation of fear.

Which communication approach does IAHC recommend when a client's health beliefs conflict with evidence-based guidelines?

Answer: Respectfully explore the source and meaning of the belief before gently introducing alternative perspectives

IAHC coaches explore belief origins with curiosity and respect, using MI-style conversations to gently introduce evidence without triggering defensiveness.

The IAHC principle of 'meeting clients where they are' refers to:

Answer: Adapting coaching approach to match the client's current readiness, values, and capacity

This principle ensures coaching is tailored to each client's unique readiness level, life context, and personal values rather than a standardized protocol.