Module 4: Planning – Introduction

So, we have engaged the woman and helped her to feel heard, understood and safe, and have negotiated a focus for the conversation. Once we agreed on the focus we started evoking, navigating our way through the woman's ambivalence. We’ve accepted and validated her sustain talk, or her arguments against change, and evoked, explored and elaborated upon her change talk to uncover her desire, ability, reasons and need for change.

Now, we’re looking for the woman to make a commitment to change.

Applicability for health practitioners providing perinatal mental health screening

In these conversations you are trying to build rapport with the patient to encourage a commitment to engage in ongoing maternity care.

You are also looking for a commitment that they will be working towards making positive lifestyle changes that will support a healthy pregnancy. This may include the patient accepting support from additional services.