Sometimes it is useful to have the person remember times before the problem emerged, and to compare this with the present situation. Ask the client what life was like ‘before’: before substance use problems; before legal, work or relationship difficulties; before mental health problems etc. Focus on positive memories, hopes, dreams, plans, or successes the person may have once had. If the person’s history is negative, it may still be useful to explore ‘what it was like’, not necessarily in an attempt to process or resolve issues from that time, but primarily to understand what may have brought about the current situation and behaviours. For example:
- ‘Do you remember a time when things were going well for you? What has changed and how?’
- ‘What were things like before you started using?’
- ‘What were you like back then? What were your plans? What has changed and why?’
- ‘How has your use of alcohol/drugs influenced things?’
The goal is for the client to obtain some perspective from the immediacy of their circumstances and to observe how things have changed over time. If the client has positive views on how things were before the problem emerged, highlighting the discrepancy between how things are currently, and the possibility of life being better again can help motivate them.
NOTE: Among clients experiencing symptoms of a co-occurring depressive condition, this strategy should be avoided or used with caution [1920].