Behavioral Counseling & Motivational Interviewing Flashcards

When conducting a tobacco cessation counseling session, what is the PRIMARY goal of open-ended questions?

Answer: To encourage elaboration and deeper client reflection

Open-ended questions invite clients to share more and explore their own thoughts and feelings, which is central to MI and person-centered counseling.

What is the recommended minimum session duration of behavioral counseling to significantly increase tobacco cessation rates?

Answer: 10–30 minutes

Research supported by the USPHS guideline shows that counseling sessions of 10 minutes or more significantly increase cessation rates compared to shorter interventions.

Which of the following BEST describes 'sustain talk' in motivational interviewing?

Answer: Client statements favoring the status quo or against change

Sustain talk refers to client speech that favors not changing, such as 'I enjoy smoking' or 'I don't think quitting is realistic for me right now.'

Which behavioral strategy involves identifying specific high-risk situations for smoking and developing coping plans in advance?

Answer: Relapse prevention planning

Relapse prevention planning involves anticipating high-risk situations and preparing specific strategies to cope with urges and avoid smoking.

In MI, DARN-CAT is a mnemonic for types of change talk. What does DARN stand for?

Answer: Desire, Ability, Reasons, Need

DARN stands for Desire, Ability, Reasons, and Need — the four types of preparatory change talk that signal a client's motivation to change.

A tobacco treatment specialist notices a patient becoming defensive during a counseling session. The BEST MI-consistent response is to:

Answer: Reflect the patient's feelings and back off slightly from the pressure

When a patient becomes defensive, the MI approach is to reflect their experience and reduce pressure, which lowers resistance and preserves the alliance.

What is the purpose of an 'affirmation' in motivational interviewing?

Answer: To recognize and acknowledge the client's strengths and efforts

Affirmations in MI are statements that recognize the client's strengths, past successes, and efforts, thereby supporting self-efficacy and the therapeutic relationship.