Unlike 'pure' client-centred counselling, where the client uses the counsellor to help in exploring his or her concerns, Motivational Work is more directed - at helping the client to RESOLVE Ambivalence.

Look for discrepancies between present behaviours and broader goals and values.

1. Clarify wider goals and values:

"Can you help me understand a bit more about YOU - what are the things that really make you tick, that you dream about, that are important to you...?"

• Relationships
• Work or education
• Avoiding criminality
• Sporting goals
• Being straight with people I love
• Etc.

2. Look at the impact of substance use/other behaviours on these.

"So you have a lot of good times with your friends when you are using weed. Is that with all your friends, or some of them? Have there ever been times it hasn't worked out that positively? What about the way your family react towards it?"

3. Aim for the client to present the arguments for change, NOT YOU.

Motivational work is NOT about you instilling, inserting, encouraging motivation in the client, but in helping the client to think (Mentalize, if you like) about what he or she really wants...