Person-Centered/MI Therapeutic Techniques and Procedures

Main techniques of Person-Centered Therapy: Person-Centered Therapy is known for its non-directive approach, meaning it doesn’t use structured techniques like other therapies. Instead, it focuses on how the therapist relates to the client through the core conditions.

• • 1. Unconditional Positive Regard
       – Accepting the client without judgment or conditions.

    2. Empathic Understanding
       – Deeply listening and reflecting the client’s feelings to show understanding.

    3. Congruence (Genuineness)
       – The therapist is authentic and transparent, not putting on a professional “mask.”

    4. Active Listening & Reflection
       – The therapist reflects back what the client says, helping them hear and process their own experiences.

    5. Non-Directive Questioning
       – Questions are open-ended, rare, and used only to deepen understanding, not to lead.

Main techniques of Motivational Interviewing Therapy: Motivational Interviewing is more directive than person-centered therapy, though it’s built on the same foundation of empathy and collaboration. MI focuses specifically on resolving ambivalence and enhancing motivation for change. 

Key Techniques:

OARS:

1. O – Open-Ended Questions
   – Encourage the client to explore their own reasons for change.

2. A – Affirmations
   – Recognize client strengths and efforts to build confidence and rapport.

3. R – Reflective Listening
   – Repeat or rephrase what the client says to show understanding and help them process.

4. S – Summarizing
   – Tie together themes and highlight motivation, ambivalence, or shifts in thinking.

Stages of Change:

1. Precontemplation
   – The person is not considering change.
   – They may be unaware of the problem or feel unmotivated.

2. Contemplation
   – The person is thinking about change but feels ambivalent.
   – They recognize the problem but aren’t ready to act yet.

3. Preparation
   – The person is getting ready to change.
   – They may set goals or make small initial steps.

4. Action
   – The person is actively making changes in their behavior, environment, or mindset.
   – This is the phase of direct effort.

5. Maintenance
   – The person is sustaining the change over time and working to prevent relapse.
   – They are integrating new behaviors into daily life.

6. Relapse (optional stage)
   – Returning to old behaviors is common and seen as part of the process.
   – This stage offers a chance to learn and re-enter the cycle at an earlier stage.

DARN – CAT

1. D – Desire
   “I want to…” (e.g., “I want to be healthier.”)

2. A – Ability
   “I can…” (e.g., “I could probably cut back on drinking.”)

3. R – Reason
   “It’s important because…” (e.g., “If I quit smoking, I’ll save money and breathe easier.”)

4. N – Need
   “I have to…” (e.g., “I need to get this under control.”)

5. C – Commitment
   “I will…” (e.g., “I’m going to call a support group this week.”)

6. A – Activation
   “I’m ready to…” (e.g., “I’m ready to start making changes.”)

7. T – Taking Steps
   “I’ve started…” (e.g., “I’ve been walking three times a week now.”)

Brief Action Planning (BAP)

1. Ask: "Is there anything you'd like to do to improve your health or well-being?"
   – This opens the door for client choice and readiness to engage.

2. SMART Planning (if the client has an idea)
   Help the client develop a plan that is:

   1. Specific

   2. Measurable

   3. Achievable

   4. Realistic

   5. Time-framed

3. Example: “I’ll walk for 15 minutes after dinner, 3 times this week.”

4. Check Confidence
   – Ask: “On a scale of 0 to 10, how confident do you feel about carrying out this plan?”
   – If confidence is below 7, help the client adjust the plan to increase success.

5. Follow-Up Plan
   – Ask: “Would you like to check in on how the plan goes?”
   – If appropriate, arrange for a follow-up or self-monitoring.

One Person-Centered Therapy technique/procedure I want to try/practice: 

I want to practice using DARN-CAT to better recognize and respond to client change talk in sessions. Listening for Desire, Ability, Reason, and Need can help me identify when a client is considering change, while responding to Commitment, Activation, and Taking steps allows me to support them as they move toward action. I also want to apply BAP to help clients turn their motivation into small, achievable goals. I’m drawn to BAP because it is structured yet client-centered, and I believe it will help me build confidence in guiding clients through realistic, self-directed plans for change. 

Role of the counselor (e.g., counselor characteristics/behaviors):

1. Builds a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment

2. Demonstrates empathy through reflective, active listening

3. Shows unconditional positive regard, accepting the client as they are

4. Maintains congruence by being authentic and genuine in the therapeutic relationship

5. Respects the client as the expert on their own life and choices

6. Encourages client autonomy and self-directed change

7. Uses open-ended questions to explore thoughts, feelings, and ambivalence

8. Reflects and reinforces change talk (DARN-CAT) to support motivation

9. Offers affirmations to highlight strengths and build confidence

10. Helps clients develop discrepancy between their current behavior and personal values or goals

11. Rolls with resistance rather than confronting it, maintaining collaboration

12. Assists clients in setting realistic, achievable goals (e.g., through Brief Action Planning)