What does the planning stage of MI focus on?

The planning stage of Motivational Interviewing (MI) centers on developing a collaborative action plan that outlines specific steps a client can take to achieve their goals. This stage is characterized by a partnership between the coach and the client, where they work together to identify strategies and resources that will support change. This collaborative approach is essential because it empowers clients by involving them in the decision-making process, ensuring that the action plan is tailored to their unique circumstances and capacities.

In this phase, the focus is on creating attainable and measurable goals, prioritizing client autonomy and readiness for change. By establishing a clear plan, clients feel more motivated and equipped to take meaningful steps forward. This supportive environment fosters a sense of accountability and encourages clients to commit to their action steps.

On the other hand, understanding past counseling results, identifying potential barriers to change, and setting unrealistic goals do not capture the essence of the planning stage in MI. While understanding past results helps inform future sessions and recognizing barriers is important for addressing challenges to change, these elements are more about assessment and exploration rather than the actual planning of actionable steps. Additionally, setting unrealistic goals contradicts the MI approach, as it could lead to frustration and disengagement rather than fostering a collaborative, client-centered strategy for change.