Criminal justice professionals have unique challenges when working with justice-involved clients. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a practical set of communication techniques to help these clients make positive behavioral changes. This approach can be transformative, encouraging clients to actively participate in their rehabilitation. Here's how you can apply basic MI techniques with your clients:
Understanding Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative conversation style that aims to strengthen a person's motivation and commitment to change. It's grounded in empathy, collaboration, and respect for the client's autonomy. For criminal justice professionals, MI can be particularly powerful in helping clients reflect on their behaviors and recognize the benefits of making positive changes.
Critical Techniques of Motivational Interviewing
DO: Roll with Resistance
Listen to Your Client's Problems and Fears. The first strategy in MI is to listen to the client's fears and problems. When a client struggles with complying with legal requirements or making behavioral changes, start by listening to their challenges without pushing, advising, or trying to fix the problem immediately. Just listen and reflect on their concerns.
For example, reflect "I can't do all this!" with, "You're struggling because you feel overwhelmed by the expectations placed on you." Reflecting on these struggles helps clients feel heard and is the first step toward energizing them for change.
DO: Pause Before Discussing How a Client Can Make Changes
Spend More Time on the "Why" Phase of at-the-desk conversations. In MI, it's crucial to understand why the client might want to change before jumping into how they can do it. Many practitioners are eager to start planning actions and setting goals, but an MI style encourages spending more time exploring the client's motivations and less time on action planning. This redistribution of time helps address the client's barriers and fears, creating a foundation for sustained change.
DO: Listen for a Client's Insights and Ideas
Encourage and build on the parts of a conversation that lead to making change. After reflecting on a client's struggles, the next phase involves encouraging them to express how change could benefit them and brainstorm realistic ways to take action. Ask open-ended questions like, "What are your ideas about how you can improve this situation?" and listen carefully for their insights. Often, clients will hint at what they are willing to do, which can guide the conversation toward practical steps they can take.
DO: Collaborate Respectfully
Once a client shows motivation and starts brainstorming, collaborate with them to explore how much change they can make at that time. Start with small, achievable steps and build from there. For example, if a client mentions they enjoy a particular activity, explore how it can fit into their rehabilitation or reentry goals: "So, you like helping others? How do you see that fitting into a job search?"
DON'T: Pressure, Fix, or Control
Avoid language that points to a specific outcome or path for the client. MI emphasizes the importance of avoiding controlling or prescriptive language, which can elicit resistance and defensiveness. Phrases like "You must," "You should," and "You have to" can be counterproductive. Instead, focus on supporting the client's autonomy and collaborating on solutions they feel committed to.
DON'T: Use Scare Tactics
Use positive motivators to drive conversations and client goals rather than fear, facts, and feedback to motivate clients. Link behavior changes to aspects of their lives that are meaningful and important to them. While initial fear might prompt temporary changes, long-term motivation is better sustained through positive reinforcement and personal relevance.
DON'T: Neglect to Praise Your Client's Efforts
Make a point to celebrate your clients' efforts, no matter how incremental. Changing behavior is challenging, and praising clients for their efforts is essential, even if they still need to meet their goals. Acknowledge their hard work and commitment: "I see you've been attending your meetings regularly, which shows much dedication." Responding to their efforts with empathy and support can help maintain their motivation over the long term.
Conclusion
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a valuable approach for criminal justice professionals who aim to support justice-involved clients in making positive changes. You can help clients navigate challenges and work towards positive change by fostering an empathetic, collaborative environment.
Bauman Consulting Group is committed to equipping you with evidence-based tools and research-informed best practices to guide your work and promote meaningful and lasting change within the criminal justice system. SIGN UP for our virtual training to learn more about Basic Motivational Interviewing!
What strategies have you found most effective in motivating your clients? Please share your experiences and insights with us!