Which sequence best reflects a client session that uses motivational interviewing to guide planning?

Which sequence best reflects a client session that uses motivational interviewing to guide planning?

• A. Check-in, risk/ readiness assessment, collaborative planning, MI-driven coaching, practice, homework
• B. Rely only on self-monitoring apps
• C. Lecturing for 60 minutes
• D. No planning

Answer: (A)

Motivational interviewing centers on a collaborative, person-centered approach that guides planning with the client, not to them. The sequence that best reflects this is one that begins with a check-in to build rapport and gauge where the client stands, followed by a readiness or risk assessment to understand motivation and potential barriers. Then planning is done collaboratively, with the client actively contributing goals and steps, while the coach uses MI techniques to explore ambivalence, reinforce autonomy, and elicit commitment. This is followed by MI-driven coaching to support the plan, plus opportunities to practice new skills and assign homework to solidify progress. Choosing this path shows planning that is co-created, motivational, and action-oriented, closely aligned with how MI facilitates sustainable change. In contrast, relying only on self-monitoring apps misses the essential human interaction and collaborative exploration; lecturing is directive and does not honor the client’s input and autonomy; and no planning leaves the client without concrete next steps to enact change.

Motivational interviewing centers on a collaborative, person-centered approach that guides planning with the client, not to them. The sequence that best reflects this is one that begins with a check-in to build rapport and gauge where the client stands, followed by a readiness or risk assessment to understand motivation and potential barriers. Then planning is done collaboratively, with the client actively contributing goals and steps, while the coach uses MI techniques to explore ambivalence, reinforce autonomy, and elicit commitment. This is followed by MI-driven coaching to support the plan, plus opportunities to practice new skills and assign homework to solidify progress.

Choosing this path shows planning that is co-created, motivational, and action-oriented, closely aligned with how MI facilitates sustainable change. In contrast, relying only on self-monitoring apps misses the essential human interaction and collaborative exploration; lecturing is directive and does not honor the client’s input and autonomy; and no planning leaves the client without concrete next steps to enact change.