Helping Clients Move Toward Change

Look at the conversations below and decide what the worker could ask or say that might move the client toward thinking about change.

Jim wants to stop drinking, but so far he has been unable to give it up.

The worker: "Tell me a little bit about your drinking." Jim: "Well, I just keep on drinking even when I know it isn't good for me. I think I will say no to the guys after work and when the time comes I think, 'what the heck...one beer won't matter.' Then I get drunk again. The worker:

Pearl wants to get her children back. The courts have said that she needs to make some changes around her house. They have also ruled that her abusive boyfriend may not have contact with the children in the future.

The worker: "Can you tell me where you are with the changes they asked you to make?" Pearl: "Nowhere. Nowhere. I want my kids back, but I don't think I should have to give up my boyfriend to do it." The worker:

Clarence has been suffering from depression for several months. He saw a counselor and he also saw a psychiatrist who prescribed medication, which he is taking.

The worker: "Tell me about where you are now with the counseling and your medication." Clarence: "You know it's a funny thing. I want to feel better but I don't and I feel too embarrassed to say that to my counselor. You know, he will think I am not doing what he wants me to do like go out more, engage in a hobby or something. I'm not doing that." The worker: "So you aren't really doing the things he suggests." Clarence: "I just don't think that is me. You know what I mean? I never did go out a lot or have a hobby. I always sat at home and did stuff around the house." The worker: