Much of AMBIT is concerned with the way we try to present our offer of help in ways that "speak to the condition" that the person we are trying to help finds themselves in.

In relation to Motivational Stage of Change:

A key part of the Motivational Work, including the assessment for substance use disorder treatment consists of identifying which of the Stages of Change best describes your client's state of mind or motivation.

A young person in Pre-contemplation will not be interested in Making plans for change, or developing Relapse prevention strategies. There is a high risk of a loss of Engagement in such circumstances.

In relation to the here-and-now Mentalizing state:

If a client is mentalizing well (able to reflect on their own and other people's behaviours in terms of wishes, fears, feelings and the context that has influenced these) then conversation can be more challenging than if there is evidence of Pre-mentalistic stances (failed mentalizing).

In relation to Help and attaining outcomes:

See the Relationship to help for more on this, and Active Planning for the subtle balancing required between holding to Plans and sensitive responsivity that keeps Engagement.