Strategic Responses: Shifting Focus


Demonstrating MI Spirit, shift attention away from a hot topic or sore spot rather than continuing to talk about it.

  • Supervisee: Are you saying this is my fault? You want me to go back to prison.
  • Staff: Not at all. I’m not interested in placing blame or name calling. What matters to me is how you plan to solve the problem and move forward.
  • Supervisee: Do you think I have a drug problem?
  • Staff: Labeling is not my top priority. I am interested in what you think it would take to get you to stay sober.
Other strategic response for handling resistance are amplified reflection, double-sided reflection, reframe, agreement with a twist, emphasize personal choice and control, and coming alongside.