Talk the
Change Talk
Change Talk
A client statement that exemplifies Preparatory Change Talk.
What is, "I want to improve my relationship"?
An Evocative Question that evokes Change Talk in response to the client statement, "I was able to quit smoking weed in the past, but it wasn't easy".
What is, "What benefits did you see from quitting, if any?"
A "rule of thumb" that one should consider when crafting an Affirmation.
What is beginning an affirmation with "you" instead of "I"?
Hearing less Sustain Talk might mean a client is ready to start this Task of MI.
What is the Planning Task?
A Simple Reflection in response to the client statement, "My doctor was adamant that I need to cut down on my drinking, but I'm not convinced that I need to".
What is, "You're still uncertain"?
The type of Change Talk featured in the client statement, "I wish I didn't feel like I needed to drink to have fun".
What is Desire?
A response to the client statement "If I knew how to stop drinking, I would have by now" that evokes Change Talk.
What is "You're still looking for a way to stop drinking."
An affirmation in response to the client statement, "I know I told you I wasn't going to use this week, but I got high once – I'm struggling to stop."
What is, "You had a set back and you were honest about it"?
The Sustain Talk present in the client statement, "I guess I'd save some money if I stopped smoking, but then how would I fall asleep at night?"
What is, "how would I fall asleep at night"?
A Complex Reflection in response to the client statement, "My drinking has caused too many problems at this point. I have to do something about it before it's too late".
What is, "You've been thinking a lot about how you're drinking has impacted yourself and others"?
"I'm thinking about going to an inpatient program" is an example of this type of Change Talk.
What is Activation?
"What's the best thing that could happen if you reduced your drinking?" is an example of this strategy for evoking Change Talk.
What is Querying Extremes?
"You were really anxious about going to that doctor's appointment, yet you found the strength to do it" is an example of this.
What is a Simple Affirmation?
A response to the client statement "I don't think using coke from time to time is that big of a deal" that Emphasizes Autonomy.
What is, "You know what's best for you"?
A Double-Sided Reflection in response to the client statement, "Sometimes I just get so depressed, the only thing I can think to do is drink to feel better, even if it's temporary".
What is, "Drinking helps your depression in the short-term, and you're hoping to find a better long-term solution"?
The Change Talk present in the client statement, "Sure, hangovers aren't fun, but I always have a good time drinking with my friends".
What is "hangovers aren't fun"?
An Evocative Question that might produce the client statement, "I'll start with not going out with this crowd anymore; they all get high."
What is, "What are some changes you can make that could help you cut down on your use?"
A Simple Affirmation in response to the client statement, "I was really tempted to use last night. I tried to call a friend, but they didn't answer. So I put on some music until the urge passed."
What is, "That was a really tough situation and you were able to use your coping skills to get through it."
A response to the client statement, "All my friends drink more than I do, but apparently I'm the one with the issue" that softens Sustain Talk.
What is, "You find it frustrating that people are so concerned about your drinking"?
An Amplified Reflection in response to the client statement, "Sure, coke could be laced with something, but that's what NARCAN is for".
What is, "There's nothing to worry about when it comes to using coke"?
A scaling question that asks a client to rate the importance of making a change typically evokes this type of Change Talk.
What is preparatory Change Talk?
A Reflection in response to the client statement, "My wife told me that I need to quit or else" aimed at evoking Change Talk.
What is, "Your current use is causing problems at home".
A Complex Affirmation in response to the client statement, "I was really depressed this past weekend, but I managed to make it to a meeting."
What is, "You're really committed to your recovery, even when things feel tough"?
A response to the client statement, "There's no way I'll be able to make it 90 days without drinking" that softens Sustain Talk by "Reframing".
What is, "It feels like quite the feat, and you're wondering how you'll make it happen"?
An "Coming Alongside" Reflection in response to the client statement, "I've been using for years and my life is fine. Why should I stop now?".
What is, "There's no point in stopping, since you haven't seen any consequences yet"?