Developing Discrepancy in Motivational Interviewing
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Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a person-centered counseling style designed to help clients identify and resolve ambivalence, develop motivation, and ultimately achieve change. One key aspect of MI is developing discrepancy between what a client says they want to do and what they are actually doing. This technique is rooted in the theory of cognitive dissonance, which posits that individuals are more likely to change their behavior when they are exposed to conflicting beliefs or behaviors. In MI, this concept is applied by helping clients become aware of the gap between their current actions and their desired outcomes and, through empathy and exploration, fostering a sense of clarity around the behaviors that are causing distress.
Why Develop Discrepancy?
Clients often arrive in treatment with a range of behaviors that they know are harmful but find difficult to change due to various reasons. Developing discrepancy can help clients see that their behaviors are at odds with their core values and beliefs. By drawing this contrast, clients can begin to recognize the need for change and are more likely to take action. For instance, a client who struggles withovereating may initially express minimal concern for their health, but by developinga gap between their desire to eat healthily and their actual habits, they may become more conscious of their eating patterns and motivated to make positive changes.
How to Develop Discrepancy
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Use Scaling Questions: Scale questions are a technique used in MI to help clients rate the degree to which they agree or disagree with various statements. For example, a scale question about smoking might read: "On a scale of 1-5, how important do you think it is for you to quit smoking?" By rating the importance of quitting, clients can begin to see the discrepancy between their current behavior and their stated goals.
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Make Statements About Decisional Balance: This technique involves clients in weighing the pros and cons of their current behavior. For example, a question might ask, "When you think about quitting smoking, what are the pros and cons of maintaining this habit?" By exploring decisional balance, clients can begin to recognize the trade-offs associated with continuing their existing behavior.
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Use Affirmations: Affirmations are positive statements that recognize a client's efforts and achievements. For example, a therapist might say, "I notice you are making dinner and it seems like you're cooking in a way that is healthy for you." By affirming these positive actions, therapists can help clients recognize their achievements and reconnect with their motivation to make healthier choices.
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Focus on Values: Keeping clients' core values at the forefront is crucial in developing discrepancy. Asking clients to think about the values they want to uphold and comparing their current behaviors with these values can reveal the discrepancy that exists. For example, a client might say, "I value spending quality time with my family, and currently, I find myself choosing eating out over preparing a meal at home."
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Ask How Behaviors Fit Together: Asking clients to reflect on how their behaviors fit together to support their core values can help them identify the discrepancies. This can be done by prompting clients with open-ended questions that encourage them to think deeply about their behavior. For example, a therapist might ask, "How does your current diet align with your goal of improving your health?"
What Happens When Difference Is Developed?
Once clients become aware of the discrepancies, they are typically more motivated to take action. This increased clarity about their behaviors and their alignment with their values can, in turn, increase their confidence in their ability to make lasting change. For instance, a client who has been struggling with smoking might suddenly recognize that their behavior is in direct conflict with their desire to be a good father to their children. This realization can, in turn, motivate them to seek support and quit smoking.
How to Stay Committed to Change?
Developing discrepancy is just the first step in a broader treatment plan. Once clients identify the discrepancies, they are typically more motivated to take action. However, maintaining commitment to change can be challenging. Strategies such as setting small, achievable goals, seeking support from others, and tracking progress can help clients stay the course. Additionally, helping clients connect their behaviors to their core values and exploring their reasons for change can further reinforce their motivation to make positive changes., developing discrepancy is a fundamental technique in Motivational Interviewing that can help clients recognize the need for change, clarify their goals, and develop the motivation to make lasting behavioral adjustments. By engaging clients in this process and nurturing their motivation, therapists can help empower them to achieve their desired outcomes and lead healthier, happier lives.