Introduction and motivational dialogue resources
The tasks for this 2nd topic are...
- Having positive conversations with service users that open up their concerns and avoid getting into arguments.
- Taking drug and alcohol testing as an example of interacting in a motivationally enhancing way which is applicable in all circumstances.
- Reading about how to apply this skill and practising introducing a service user to having a drug test.
- To debate the motion: ‘Informal discussion, or chat, is a crucial part of building a working alliance between practitioner and service user'.
- Finally, discussion with your study group or mentor to be sure you have understood the principles of motivational dialogue. You can practise your skills with your group or with friends or colleagues.
Here are the resources to introduce you to motivational dialogue
Take a look at the drug testing page and at the bottom of the page go to the ‘How to do it’ page where you will see…
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Practitioner Preparation and Practitioner Skills boxes.
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The How to Do It dialogue which you will read and ensure you understand how this way of talking avoids confrontation, and reduces the likelihood of a negative outcome for your service user.
Getting any information from service users can come across as being intrusive and repetitive. Filling out questionnaires or something physical such as drug testing are examples of this. The most important skill to practise is asking open questions - that is questions that do not lead to a particular response. Applying a motivational style to drug testing is used as an example of a skill that is helpful in most situations.
This link will take you to ▶︎ Drug Testing - how to do it
When you are happy that you have done this task move on to Reflections on Motivational Dialogue.