Module 7: MI Microskills - Questions and Affirmations

Question 1

Describe the difference between open- and closed-ended questions.

Answer 1

Open-ended: Promote more information sharing and are not limited to yes or no answers
Close-ended: Limited to yes or no answers and can only promote limited information

Question 2

Describe how to form an open-ended question.

Answer 2

Start questions with words like what, when, how, etc.

Question 3

Discuss the benefits of asking open-ended questions.

Answer 3

• Encourages clients to share more information
• Help create a nonjudgmental conversation
• Elicits concerns or views
• Elicits their own motivations
• Activates client toward change

Question 4

Discuss the drawbacks of asking open-ended questions.

Answer 4

• Can lead to client getting off-topic

- If not phrased properly, they can be seen as leading questions

Question 5

List the types of open-ended questions and when to use each in a counseling session.

Answer 5

• Digging deep
• If any
• Strength-based
• Hypothetical
• Disarming
• Exploring benefits and beliefs
• Reasons for change
• Rulers
• Looking forward/back
• Think Dish-errl*

Question 6

Digging deep open-ended questions

Answer 6

• Build rapport
• Enhance understanding
• Enhance client awareness

Question 7

If any open-ended questions

Answer 7

• Reduce judgment

- Not as leading

Question 8

Strength-based open-ended questions

Answer 8

-Builds self-efficacy

Question 9

Hypothetical open-ended questions

Answer 9

• Allow client to envision change

- Elicits change talk

Question 10

Disarming open-ended questions

Answer 10

• Help to roll w/ resistance
• Strengthen rapport
• Build empathy

Question 11

Exploring benefits and beliefs open-ended questions

Answer 11

-Health goals/behaviors may conflict with values/beliefs

Question 12

Reasons for change open-ended questions

Answer 12

• Elicit change talk

- Strengthen commitment to change

Question 13

Rulers open-ended questions

Answer 13

• Clarify goals

- Assess readiness

Question 14

Looking forward/back open-ended questions

Answer 14

• Elicit change talk
• Benefits of change
• Self-efficacy
• Affirming

Question 15

Define affirmations.

Answer 15

Clear, genuine words of understanding and appreciation for the client and their strengths (should be specific):

• Builds feelings of empowerment
• Builds self-efficacy
• Decrease defensiveness
• Encourage persistence

Question 16

Describe when to use affirmations.

Answer 16

• When the client has made progress on their goal

- Be thoughtful about timing, don’t overuse

Question 17

Discuss the benefits of using affirmations in a counseling session.

Answer 17

• If the client needs to increase their self-efficacy

- If you want to affirm a specific characteristic to encourage their progress

Question 18

Describe how to craft an appropriate affirming statement in a counseling session.

Answer 18

• Be honest and genuine
• Target a specific strength, effort, or behavior
• Avoid using “I” statements
• Be thoughtful about timing & don’t overuse
• Not an endpoint, but a way of gathering valuable information

Question 19

Describe the benefits of helping your clients engage in self-affirmation.

Answer 19

• Increase their self-efficacy
• Help them stay motivated
• Help them recognize their progress