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What is DARN CAT in motivational interviewing and how do I use it to respond to change talk?
DARN CAT is a way to listen for and organize different kinds of “change talk” in motivational interviewing so you can spot when someone is talking themselves toward change and gently help them go further. It stands for Desire, Ability, Reasons, Need, Commitment, Activation, and Taking steps...
Jun 163 min read
What does OARS mean in motivational interviewing and how do I actually use it in conversation?
If you’ve heard of motivational interviewing, you’ve probably heard of OARS. OARS stands for open questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries, the four core skills that shape how MI conversations sound in real life.
Apr 75 min read
How do I use motivational interviewing to talk with students who are unmotivated about school or learning?
Learn how to use motivational interviewing when students say “I don’t care about school,” using questions, reflections, and stages of change instead of pressure or lectures.
Mar 266 min read
What is motivational interviewing, and how is it different from traditional advice-giving or lecturing?
Motivational interviewing is a collaborative, person-centered way of talking about change that helps people explore their own reasons for change instead of being told what to do. Rather than lecturing or giving advice, MI focuses on partnership, empathy, and evoking motivation that already exists in the student. When your “motivational talk” falls flat If you work in education, you’ve probably had some version of this moment. You sit down with a student, give your best “this
Mar 245 min read
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