The acronym for change talk in motivational interviewing is DARN-CAT, which stands for Desire to change, Ability to change, Reasons to change, Need to change, Commitment, Activation, Taking medication Desire to change, Ability to change, Reasons to change, Need to change, Commitment, Activation, Taking steps Desire to change, Ability to change, Reasons to change, Negativity to change, Commitment, Activation, Taking steps