Module 4: Engaging and focusing – Engaging

As Dr Steindl mentioned, listening to the patient, especially at the beginning of the interview, goes a long way to helping them feel listened to and understood. Let’s see that in action in the following clip from a motivational interview role play.

Role play - Engaging

Sarah is a young First Nations woman who is somewhat early in her pregnancy but has been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. She lives with extended family, and she is struggling to eat well or stay active, as well as finding it difficult to test her blood sugar levels. Sarah had discussed these issues during her perinatal mental health screening with an Aboriginal Health Worker at her last antenatal appointment.

She is anxious and reserved, clearly feeling uncomfortable to come into the service. She has been referred to talk about behaviour change, and this is the first time she has been seen by the health practitioner.

While you watch, pay particular attention to how the health practitioner uses the OARS skills to keep Sarah talking. You’ll also see her argue against change (known in MI as sustain talk, which we’ll look at later in the module) and the health practitioner’s efforts to empower Sarah by reflecting the things she said that indicate that she recognises behaviours that may contribute to poor health.