Motivational Interviewing - Übung zur Gesprächsführung

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide to practicing Motivational Interviewing (MI), a person-centered counseling style that enhances motivation to change. Whether you’re a professional in healthcare, coaching, or counseling, mastering MI techniques can improve your communication skills and help clients achieve their goals.

Step 1: Understand the Principles of Motivational Interviewing

Before you can practice MI, familiarize yourself with its core principles. These include:

• Collaboration: Work together with the client rather than directing them.
• Evocation: Draw out the client’s own motivations and reasons for change.
• Autonomy: Respect the client’s right to make their own choices.

Practical Tips

• Reflect on your own motivations for using MI to enhance your practice.
• Read foundational literature on MI to deepen your understanding.

Step 2: Create a Safe Environment

Setting the stage for a productive conversation is essential.

• Choose a Comfortable Space: Ensure privacy and minimize distractions.
• Establish Rapport: Start with small talk to make the client feel at ease.

Practical Tips

• Use open body language and maintain eye contact.
• Be patient and attentive, showing genuine interest in the client’s concerns.

Step 3: Practice Active Listening

Listening is a key component of MI.

• Reflective Listening: Repeat back what the client says to show understanding.
• Affirmations: Recognize the client’s strengths and efforts.

Practical Tips

• Avoid interrupting or jumping to conclusions.
• Summarize key points periodically to confirm understanding.

Step 4: Use Open-Ended Questions

Encourage deeper exploration of thoughts and feelings.

• Frame questions that cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no."

Example questions include

• "What brings you here today?"
• "How do you feel about your current situation?"

Practical Tips

• Avoid leading questions that may bias the client’s responses.
• Listen for themes in their answers to guide the conversation.

Step 5: Develop Change Talk

Encourage the client to express their desire, ability, reasons, and need for change.

• Identify Change Talk: Listen for statements that indicate a readiness to change.
• Reinforce Change Talk: Respond positively to statements that reflect motivation.

Practical Tips

• Use scaling questions, such as "On a scale from 1 to 10, how ready are you to make this change?"
• Help clients articulate their own goals and motivations.

Step 6: Summarize and Plan

At the end of the session, summarize the key points discussed.

• Highlight Motivational Statements: Reinforce what the client said about their desire to change.
• Collaborate on Next Steps: Discuss what actions the client is willing to take.

Practical Tips

• Encourage the client to set specific, achievable goals.
• Plan follow-up sessions to maintain momentum.

Conclusion

Motivational Interviewing is a valuable skill that can transform your interactions with clients. By understanding its principles, creating a supportive environment, practicing active listening, asking open-ended questions, fostering change talk, and summarizing effectively, you can enhance your effectiveness as a communicator.

Next steps include finding opportunities to practice MI techniques in real-world settings and seeking feedback from peers or supervisors to continuously improve your skills.