MI Spirit
These are the three core components of the MI “spirit”?
What is collaboration, evocation, and autonomy.
What does OARS stand for?
Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections, and Summaries.
What is “change talk”?
Client statements that favor movement toward change.
What is one way to build rapport with adolescents early in MI?
Show genuine interest, avoid judgment, and respect their autonomy.
What are the five stages of change?
Precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance.
True or False: MI is primarily about getting the client to agree with the clinician.
False – MI is about eliciting the client’s own motivation for change.
Give an example of an open-ended question about substance use.
Sample: “What are some things you like and dislike about using?”
What is “sustain talk”?
Client statements that favor staying the same or resisting change.
What MI skill can reduce adolescent defensiveness during conversations about substance use?
Reflective listening
Which MI process aligns most with helping a teen move from contemplation to preparation?
Evoking.
In MI, what does the principle of “autonomy” emphasize?
The adolescent is in control of their own choices and change.
What is the purpose of affirmations in MI?
To build self-efficacy and reinforce strengths or efforts.
Give one example of change talk from an adolescent.
“I don’t like how weed makes me feel tired all day.”
What’s one way to make MI language developmentally appropriate for teens?
Use simple, relatable terms and examples tied to their daily life.
In precontemplation, what is the main MI goal?
Build engagement and gently raise awareness of discrepancies.
Which MI term means “drawing out” a client’s own reasons for change rather than telling them what to do?
Evocation.
How do simple and complex reflections differ?
Simple reflections repeat or rephrase; complex reflections add meaning or infer feeling.
What’s a strategy for reinforcing change talk?
Reflect and selectively reinforce statements that indicate desire, ability, reason, or need for change (DARN).
Why might affirmations be especially important for teens?
Many feel criticized or powerless; affirmations foster confidence and trust.
What stage is a teen in if they’re saying, “I want to cut back, but I’m not sure how”?
Preparation.
Name the four processes of MI in order.
Engaging, focusing, evoking, and planning.
What’s one way summaries help in MI?
They consolidate change talk, show understanding, and transition to planning.
When a teen says, “Everyone else drinks, so it’s not a big deal,” how could you respond with MI spirit?
Reflect empathy (“You feel it’s normal for your age”) and gently explore ambivalence (“What are the upsides and downsides for you?”).
What’s a good response if a teen says, “You can’t make me quit”?
“You’re right, it’s your choice what you do — and I’m here to help you figure out what’s best for you.”
What’s one MI-consistent strategy for relapse?
Normalize it as part of the process and revisit motivations and values without judgment.