Additional strategies

In addition to these five core communication skills, some key strategies have been developed to build intrinsic motivation for change and resolve ambivalence. This is achieved by assisting the client to present their own arguments for change in order to [758]:

• Recognise the disadvantages of current behaviour.
• Recognise the advantages of change.
• Express optimism about change.
• Express intent to change.

These strategies include:

• Typical day.
• Decisional balance.
• Elaboration.
• Querying extremes.
• Asking about lifestyle and stresses.
• Looking back.
• Looking forward.
• Exploring goals and values.
• Strengthening commitment.