Module 4: Introduction to MI – OARS
Using OARS to keep the interview moving forward
Motivational interviewing relies on interviewers using certain core skills to allow successful completion of the four tasks of motivational interviewing. Those skills are:
- Asking open questions, not short answer, yes/no or rhetorical ones.
- Affirming the person by commenting positively on strengths, effort or intention.
- Reflecting on what the person says and feels using active listening
- Summarising the person’s perspective on change
Watch Dr Steindl give a brief overview of these skills and how they are used in motivational interviewing.
The OARS skills are used throughout each of the four MI tasks (engaging, focusing, evoking, and planning) and directly relate back to the MI Spirit that we want to cultivate when undertaking perinatal mental health screening and providing other care with First Nations women. It may take some practice for you to become comfortable using these skills, but the benefits will be well worth the effort.
