Motivational Intrerviewing (MI) Task One: Improving Client Engagement

Angela-Wood
Southeastern Louisiana University

Key Points

  1. Effective therapeutic engagement requires avoiding premature focus on solutions and the blame trap, ensuring a thorough understanding of the client’s perspective and motivation.
  2. Client engagement is enhanced through specific affirmations that recognize character strengths and positive actions and reinforce the client’s autonomy, particularly in cases involving teenagers.
  3. Expressing hope and optimism for the client’s future while carefully navigating complex family dynamics without assigning blame is crucial for building therapeutic rapport and fostering positive change.
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Avoiding Premature Solutions

A key aspect to avoid in therapeutic engagement is rushing to solutions. It's natural to inquire about past strategies the client may have employed to handle their issues.

However, it's crucial not to focus on solutions prematurely, especially before assessing their motivation level and without sufficient understanding of the client. Focusing on solutions too early is akin to putting the cart before the horse.

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