It can be useful to ask clients about their goals and what is most important to them and compare this to the current situation. Rather than perceiving a person as unmotivated, it may be more useful to understand the different goals and priorities [389]. Explore the ways in which the problem behaviour is inconsistent with, or undermines important values and goals for them. When the highest or most central values and goals have been defined, you can ask how the problem you are discussing (e.g., drinking/using) fits into this picture.
For example:
- ‘Where do you think your using fits in?’
- ‘What effect is your current behaviour likely to have on these goals and values?’
Exploring what matters most to a person can also help build rapport, and as such, this strategy can be used in the engaging process. Exploring goals and values need not be limited to benefits that could result from a particular change; the process can also be used to learn about the client’s priorities and life values.