Motivation And Ambivalence

This Motivation And Ambivalence exercise can help your clients to explore the advantages and disadvantages of 'changing' and 'not-changing'.

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Professional version

Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Client version

Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Fillable version (PDF)

A fillable version of the resource. This can be edited and saved in Adobe Acrobat, or other PDF editing software.

Editable version (PPT)

An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.

Overview

Motivation is a necessary precursor to change, yet many clients are ambivalent about the process of change. The Motivation And Ambivalence exercise encourages clients to reflect upon the costs and benefits of changing vs. not changing.

Why Use This Resource?

Motivational interventions can help resolve ambivalence and encourage clients to make positive changes in their lives.

Encourages clients to consider advantages and disadvantages of change.
Clarifies why clients might have mixed feelings about change.
Helps resolve ambivalence and motivate clients.

Key Benefits

Exploration

Facilitates a thorough consideration of the reasons for and against change.

Structure

Offers a structured format for exploring ambivalence.

Awareness

Highlights factors influencing clients readiness to change.

Who is this for?

Addictions

Uncertainty about the need to reduce substance use or addictive behaviors.

Eating Disorders

Mixed feelings about normalising food intake or restoring weight.

Anxiety Disorders

Ambivalence about reducing avoidance and facing fears.

Integrating it into your practice

Identify

Identify a problem or situation where the client has mixed feelings.

Discuss

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both changing versus not changing.

Reflect

Reflect on the recorded 'pros' and 'cons' of change.

Decide

Help the client decide what their next steps will be.

Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance

Mixed feelings about change is not uncommon in therapy. This ambivalence can stem from a variety of factors, including fear of the unknown, attachment to current habits, or skepticism about the benefits of change.

This exercise aligns with motivational interviewing principles, focusing on exploring the advantages and disadvantages of change. By exploring both sides of their ambivalence, clients can work towards resolving their mixed feelings. This method not only helps to foster self-awareness but also helps clients to make informed decisions that are aligned with their values and goals, ultimately strengthening their commitment to change.

What's inside

An accessible resource for exploring the advantages and disadvantages of change versus no change.
Guidance for using the resource most effectively.

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FAQs

It can help clients articulate their fears, doubts, and reservations, as well as highlighting personally meaningful reasons to change.

Ending with these benefits takes advantage of the recency effect, making these factors more salient in the client's mind.

How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes

By systematically exploring the pros and cons of change, this resource can help enhance motivation and resolve ambivalence. Clinicians benefit from:

A structured framework for exploring ambivalence.
Guidance for using this resource most effectively.
A versatile tool that can be used with a variety of clients.

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References And Further Reading

Arkowitz, H., Westra, H. A., Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (Eds.). (2015). Motivational Interviewing in the Treatment of Psychological Problems (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.

Hettema, J., Steele, J., & Miller, W. R. (2005). Motivational interviewing. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 1, 91-111. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.clinpsy.1.102803.143833

Janis, I. L., & Mann, L. (1977). Decision Making: A Psychological Analysis of Conflict, Choice, and Commitment. New York: Free Press.

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change (3rd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.

Prochaska, J. O., & DiClemente, C. C. (1983). Stages and processes of self-change of smoking: Toward an integrative model of change. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 51(3), 390-395. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.51.3.390

Rollnick, S., Miller, W. R., & Butler, C. C. (2008). Motivational Interviewing in Health Care: Helping Patients Change Behavior. New York: Guilford Press.

Samson, J. E., & Tanner-Smith, E. E. (2015). Single-session motivational interviewing for college student substance use: A meta-analysis. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 29(4), 826-835. https://doi.org/10.1037/adb0000097

Westra, H. A., & Dozois, D. J. A. (2006). Preparing clients for cognitive behavioral therapy: A randomized pilot study of motivational interviewing for anxiety. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 30, 481-498. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-006-9016-y

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