Choose a session to practise. Complete Session 1 before moving to Session 2.
What is MI?
🤝 The big idea
MI helps people find their own reasons to change — rather than you telling them what to do. You listen, reflect, and draw out their own motivation. You never push, argue, or give advice.
🆕 The four tools — OARS
O — Open questions
Cannot be answered yes or no. "What has this been like for you?"
A — Affirming
Naming strength or courage. "It took real courage to come here."
R — Reflecting
Saying back the feeling underneath their words.
S — Summarising
Pulling key threads together. "So from what you have shared..."
💡 Change talk (Session 2)
When clients say things that lean toward change — "I wish things were different", "I worry about him" — these are called change talk. Your job is to notice them, reflect them back, and gently amplify them. This is how MI creates motivation from the inside out.