Which of the following is NOT harmonious with the motivational interviewing technique?

Which of the following is NOT harmonious with the motivational interviewing technique?

• A. Client/patient directed
• B. Rolling with resistance
• C. Questions that only require a yes or no answer
• D. Open-ended questions

Answer: (C)

The use of questions that only require a yes or no answer is not harmonious with the motivational interviewing technique because this approach emphasizes collaboration and open dialogue between the client and the practitioner. Motivational interviewing focuses on exploring the client's thoughts, feelings, and motivations in depth, which is best achieved through open-ended questions. These types of questions encourage clients to express themselves more freely, delve into their motivations for change, and articulate their concerns, thereby fostering a more engaging and productive conversation. In contrast, questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no limit the depth of the discussion and do not encourage the reflective and exploratory nature that is central to motivational interviewing. This technique thrives on understanding the client's perspective and facilitating a conversation that leads to self-discovery and commitment to change, which is obstructed when responses are constrained to binary options.

The use of questions that only require a yes or no answer is not harmonious with the motivational interviewing technique because this approach emphasizes collaboration and open dialogue between the client and the practitioner. Motivational interviewing focuses on exploring the client's thoughts, feelings, and motivations in depth, which is best achieved through open-ended questions. These types of questions encourage clients to express themselves more freely, delve into their motivations for change, and articulate their concerns, thereby fostering a more engaging and productive conversation.

In contrast, questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no limit the depth of the discussion and do not encourage the reflective and exploratory nature that is central to motivational interviewing. This technique thrives on understanding the client's perspective and facilitating a conversation that leads to self-discovery and commitment to change, which is obstructed when responses are constrained to binary options.