VideoCathy Cole, LCSW.
Summary: A key component of making any change is to consider the change important. Motivational Interviewing, a widely used methodology for helping clients make changes, provides specific tools for addressing this critical first step. In this second video in the series Motivational Interviewing Step by Step, MI expert and trainer Cathy Cole demonstrates how to address the issue of importance with clients. Through three full-length sessions, extensive commentary, and pre- and post-session interviews, Cole provides viewers with an exclusive opportunity to see MI in action in diverse settings with people who are initially reluctant to change. Sarah, a college student who has violated her school's alcohol policy, is required to see Cole as part of her remediation, but she doesn't think her drinking is a big deal. By eliciting Sarah's reflections on her drinking and its impact on her life, and by carefully providing feedback, Cole artfully engages this mandated client without alienating her. Holly has been told by the doctor that her young daughter is overweight. Cole, a health educator, demonstrates the challenges of staying in partnership with a client who is defensive and reluctant to believe the doctor's assessment. Finally, Fred is a rising high school senior who is considering dropping out of school. Cole creates a nonjudgmental space for Fred to explore the impact of this decision on his life goals, demonstrating the technique of envisioning the future. By watching this video, you will be able to: understand the critical issue of importance in MI; learn how to conduct an MI session with people who initially don't think changing is important; identify specific strategies and techniques used to address importance. Keywords: resistance, sustain, talk, change talk, alcoholism, mandated, school, medical, healthcare, high school student, parenting, college, weight, Counseling, counselling, Social Work, Social Worker, Therapy, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy.net, Therapist.--Supplied by publisher.