Fishbowl Discussion Exercise

Fishbowl Discussion Exercise | Englisch Münster

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In Motivational Interviewing (MI), various discussion techniques are used to facilitate conversation, engage clients, and support their motivation for change. These techniques help in exploring clients' thoughts, feelings, and readiness to change.

​Here are some key discussion techniques used in MI:
1. Open-Ended QuestionsDefinition: Questions that cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no" and require the client to elaborate.
Purpose:
  • To encourage clients to explore their thoughts and feelings more deeply.
  • To promote discussion and insight.
Examples:
  • "What are your thoughts about making this change?"
  • "How do you feel about the progress you’ve made so far?"
2. Reflective ListeningDefinition: A technique where the therapist mirrors back what the client has said, often with an added interpretation.
Purpose:
  • To show understanding and empathy.
  • To help clients reflect on their own statements and feelings.
Examples:
  • Client: "I’ve been trying to cut down on smoking, but it’s been really hard." Therapist: "It sounds like you’re finding it challenging to reduce your smoking, even though you’re making an effort."
3. AffirmationsDefinition: Positive statements that acknowledge the client's strengths, efforts, and progress.
Purpose:
  • To build the client’s self-efficacy and confidence.
  • To reinforce the client’s positive actions and attributes.
Examples:
  • "You’ve shown a lot of commitment by attending these sessions regularly."
  • "It’s great to see how seriously you’re taking these steps toward change."
4. SummarizingDefinition: A technique where the therapist summarizes key points of the conversation to consolidate information and ensure understanding.
Purpose:
  • To highlight important aspects of the discussion.
  • To provide a sense of continuity and clarity for the client.
Examples:
  • "So, we’ve talked about your goals for changing your diet and the obstacles you’ve faced. You mentioned wanting to improve your health and how you feel motivated to make these changes."
5. Decisional BalanceDefinition: A technique where clients weigh the pros and cons of changing versus not changing.
Purpose:
  • To help clients explore their ambivalence and clarify their motivations.
  • To facilitate decision-making by highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of each option.
Examples:
  • "Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of quitting smoking. What do you see as the benefits and challenges of making this change?"
6. Exploring Values and GoalsDefinition: Discussing what is important to the client and how their goals align with their values.
Purpose:
  • To connect the change process with the client’s personal values and long-term aspirations.
  • To enhance motivation by linking change to meaningful goals.
Examples:
  • "How does improving your health align with what you value most in life?"
  • "What are your long-term goals, and how does this change fit into those goals?"
7. Change TalkDefinition: Statements made by the client that indicate a desire, ability, reason, or need for change.
Purpose:
  • To focus on and amplify the client’s own motivations for change.
  • To build on the client’s intrinsic motivation.
Examples:
  • "I really want to be able to play with my kids without feeling winded."
  • "I know I need to make some changes to avoid further health issues."
8. Sustain TalkDefinition: Statements made by the client that indicate a desire to maintain the current behavior or resist change.
Purpose:
  • To understand and address the client’s reservations or resistance to change.
  • To help clients resolve ambivalence.
Examples:
  • "I’m not sure if I can give up drinking. It’s too much of a part of my social life."
  • "I don’t think I have the time to start exercising regularly."
9. Eliciting Change TalkDefinition: Techniques used to draw out and emphasize the client’s own reasons and motivations for change.
Purpose:
  • To encourage clients to articulate their own motivations for change.
  • To enhance the client’s commitment and readiness to change.
Examples:
  • "What are the reasons you’ve thought about for wanting to change this behavior?"
  • "How would your life be different if you were able to make this change?"
10. Scaling QuestionsDefinition: Questions that ask clients to rate their confidence, readiness, or importance of change on a scale (e.g., 1 to 10).
Purpose:
  • To assess the client’s current level of motivation and readiness.
  • To identify areas where clients may need additional support or resources.
Examples:
  • "On a scale from 1 to 10, how confident are you that you can make this change?"
  • "How important is this change to you on a scale from 1 to 10?"
These discussion techniques are integral to the MI approach and help facilitate meaningful conversations, support clients in exploring their motivations, and promote effective change.

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