You and your client have spent the past several weeks in the contemplation stage weighing the pros and cons of your client's weekend binge drinking with friends. Together, you have explored the negative impact this drinking has on your client's schoolwork and family relationships. This week, your client decides that she will continue in her drinking behavior but will implement safety measures such as always identifying a designated driver. As a practitioner, you disagree with her decision. What should you do?
A) Support your client in her choice while continuing to encourage the client to weigh the pros and cons of the behavior and engaging in other skills to move her from contemplation to preparation.
B) Self-disclose a past experience in your life when binge drinking had a negative impact.
C) Refuse to see the client until she decides to make more positive decisions in her life.
D) Help the client see the error of her ways and thinking by telling her that she is wrong and stating what you would do in her place.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Supporting the client in her choice while continuing to encourage reflection and readiness for change is consistent with motivational interviewing principles, which emphasize respect for the client's autonomy and facilitating internal motivation for change.

You and Your Client Have Spent the Past Several Weeks