What is the purpose of an amplified reflection in MI?

The purpose of an amplified reflection in Motivational Interviewing (MI) is to evoke disagreement in the direction of change-talk. By intentionally exaggerating a client’s statements, particularly when they express ambivalence about change, the clinician can encourage the client to articulate their motivations for change more clearly. This technique creates room for the client to push back against the amplified reflection, leading to a deeper exploration of their values and desires, and ultimately promoting change-talk.

Amplified reflections serve as a catalyst for clients to examine their thoughts and feelings about the changes they are contemplating and to generate their own arguments for change. This is essential in MI, which aims to foster intrinsic motivation rather than imposing external pressures.

The other options do not align with the specific function of amplified reflections in MI. Highlighting positive behaviors focuses on affirmation rather than evoking disagreement, summarizing client statements concisely does not challenge their views, and emphasizing the difficulty of change does not actively drive the conversation towards an exploration of change. Each of these roles has its place in the broader context of MI but does not capture the distinctive purpose of an amplified reflection.