OARS A Motivational Interviewing Technique About OARS A

OARS A Motivational Interviewing Technique

About OARS A motivational interviewing technique, used in the early stages of change. When someone is struggling to make a positive change in their life, use OARS early and often. OARS is best suited for use when in a pre-contemplative state of change. ● O: Open-Ended Questions ○ ○ Cannot be answered with simple “yes” or “no. ” Encourages exploration of problem Helps avoid premature judgment or solution Fosters communication Adapted from handouts by David Rosengren and from Miller & Rollnick, Motivational Interviewing, 2 nd Edition, (2002) -and- Stars Behavioral Health Group TIP Toolkit

About OARS A motivational interviewing technique, used in the early stages of change. When someone is struggling to make a positive change in their life, use OARS early and often. OARS is best suited for use when in a pre-contemplative state of change. ● A: Affirmations ○ ○ Enhances sincerity, understanding, and appreciation of complexity of problem Validates feelings about problem Fosters self-efficacy Allows people to vent and feel understood and supported Adapted from handouts by David Rosengren and from Miller & Rollnick, Motivational Interviewing, 2 nd Edition, (2002) -and- Stars Behavioral Health Group TIP Toolkit

About OARS A motivational interviewing technique, used in the early stages of change. When someone is struggling to make a positive change in their life, use OARS early and often. OARS is best suited for use when in a pre-contemplative state of change. ● R: Reflections ○ ○ Fosters clarification over assumption Fosters empathy Ensures understanding and clarity of situation Supports motivation to change, reduces resistance Adapted from handouts by David Rosengren and from Miller & Rollnick, Motivational Interviewing, 2 nd Edition, (2002) -and- Stars Behavioral Health Group TIP Toolkit

About OARS A motivational interviewing technique, used in the early stages of change. When someone is struggling to make a positive change in their life, use OARS early and often. OARS is best suited for use when in a pre-contemplative state of change. ● S: Summarize ○ ○ Fosters clarification and reinforcement of what was said Proves listener was listening Valuable to ensure all details and facts have been expressed / gathered Double-checks accuracy Adapted from handouts by David Rosengren and from Miller & Rollnick, Motivational Interviewing, 2 nd Edition, (2002) -and- Stars Behavioral Health Group TIP Toolkit

OARS Open-Ended Questions Affirmations Reflections Summarizion

Further Breakdown

Open-Ended Questions NOT: How much did you smoke this week? IS: Tell me about your smoking. NOT: Do you like to shoplift? IS: What are some of the things you like about stealing? Why is asking the right questions critical in getting people with a problem to explore the problem? What happens if you are too quick offer solutions?

Affirmations “It must be really difficult to come here and talk about this with me. You’re taking a big step in doing so. ” “So even though you were really pressured and had the opportunity, you chose not to shoplift that’s great, and shows a lot of strength on your part!” “You seem very convicted about this. ” “I can tell you are working very hard. ” What you really think doesn’t matter as much as what the person hears. Whether you believe their progress or sincerity is not of paramount importance. Why?

Reflections ● ● Simple ○ “So things haven’t been going so well? ” ○ I guess it’s hard to imagine not being at those parties with your friends? ” Two-Sided ○ “So on one hand, you really like to party. But you also really value your relationship with your parents? ” Why do think it is beneficial to repeat the essence of what the person is saying?

Summarization “So let me make sure I have everything correct, here. . . ” “. . . is there anything I am missing? Anything you want to add? ” If you tell someone about a problem, and they are able to summarize what you said, how does that make you feel?