You're guiding clients through motivational interviewing. How can you help them set personalized goals?
How do you inspire clients to achieve their goals? Share your strategies for effective motivational interviewing.
You're guiding clients through motivational interviewing. How can you help them set personalized goals?
How do you inspire clients to achieve their goals? Share your strategies for effective motivational interviewing.
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Motivational interviewing isn’t about giving advice—it’s about helping clients hear themselves clearly and set goals that actually fit their lives. I ask things like: → “What would feel like a win this week?” → “What’s worked for you before, even a little?” We anchor goals to values, not just outcomes. If they want to lose weight, I ask, “What would that change for you day to day?” When clients connect goals to their why, their follow-through changes. Small wins, named by them, celebrated by us. That’s how real momentum starts. #MotivationalInterviewing #ClientGoals #HealthCoaching #BehaviorChange #WellnessProfessionals
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1. Explore Values and Motivation: • Open-ended questions • Identify core values • Elicit change talk 2. Utilize the SMART Framework 3. Build Confidence and Self-Efficacy: • Reflective listening • Affirm strengths • Identify past achievements • Address ambivalence 4. Foster a Collaborative Partnership: • Avoid direct advice • Collaborate on action steps • Celebrate progress • Adjust goals as needed
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I suggest inviting clients to explore the quiet spaces between their thoughts, where genuine desire emerges. Neuroscience reveals that our brains are wired for narrative, yet most of our goals are borrowed scripts. Guide them to notice the subtle surge of dopamine when they speak about what excites them—this is the compass. Help them translate that spark into a vision that feels both intimate & expansive. When a client’s goal resonates at a neural and soul level, motivation becomes intrinsic, and the path forward feels less like striving and more like remembering who they truly are.
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1. Engage in Reflective Listening Use open-ended questions to explore what matters most to them. 2. Explore Values and Ambivalence Use tools like the Values Card Sort or Decisional Balance to help them clarify their priorities. 3. Elicit Change Talk Listen for client statements that indicate desire, ability, reasons, or need for change. 4.Evoke Commitment and Plan for Challenges Ask about their level of confidence (0–10 scale). 5. Summarize and Affirm Summarize the session to reinforce key points and self-motivation. 6.Offer affirmations that acknowledge strengths, not just achievements.
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I guide clients to set personalized goals by first exploring their values and motivations—their “why.” Using the OARS framework, I ask open-ended questions, offer affirmations, reflect back their insights, and summarize key takeaways. I use scaling questions to assess confidence and readiness, then co-create small, realistic goals rooted in their priorities. I normalize ambivalence, highlight past successes, and reinforce their autonomy. Clients feel heard, empowered, and capable of taking the next step—on their terms.
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For me it will start by understanding their vision, mission and values. Their alignment with the same and perspectives therein. Not to only plan and put it in paper but to be realistic and practical. Consider small points and focus on the goals shared. Listen with care and respect. Checking in if you are still moving right along as you prepare and strategise. Letting professionalism lead with kindness and hunity. Let them share a clear picture of how they would like to see things happening and going and have an open discussion without flooding them with a lot of information which might take them back to the beginning where they needed another view. Highlights the importance of self reflection in all we do not matter how hard it could be.
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To help clients set personalized goals through motivational interviewing, I would use open-ended questions to explore their values and desires. Reflect on their responses to clarify what's important to them. Assess their readiness and confidence, then collaboratively set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). I would also to affirm their strengths, connect goals to personal meaning, and support autonomy by emphasizing their control over the process.
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One of the things I really value about motivational interviewing is how it helps clients set goals that actually feel right for them. Instead of jumping in with advice or telling someone what they “should” do, I focus on asking open, curious questions—like “What’s important to you right now?” or “What would change look like if it felt doable?” When people feel heard and not judged, they start connecting with their own reasons for change. That’s when the magic happens—goals become personal, realistic, and motivating because they come from within. It’s not about pushing; it’s about partnering. That’s where real, lasting change starts. How do you support people in setting their own goals? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you.
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