Ambivalence about change
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Fictional case for peer practice.
Ambivalence about change
A fictional client wants to reduce alcohol use but values its social benefits.
Client role brief
You see advantages to making a change but feel unsure and dislike being told what to do.
- Protects
- Changes the subject or pushes back when told what to do.
- Fears
- Losing friends and fun, or being labeled.
- Underneath
- Real worry about where the drinking is heading.
For the person playing the client: guard the first two, and let what is underneath show only when the therapist makes room for it.
Therapist objectives
- Elicit change talk
- Use reflective listening
- Avoid the righting reflex
Reflect afterward
What did you notice? Which response helped exploration? What would you try differently?
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