Which is one of the eight strategies used during Motivational Enhancement Therapy?

• A. Providing affirmation
• B. Eliciting statements of self-motivation
• C. Reframing
• D. Handling resistance by blaming

Answer: (B)

In Motivational Enhancement Therapy, drawing out the client’s own reasons for change is central. Eliciting statements of self-motivation means asking focused questions that invite the client to express desires, abilities, reasons, needs, or commitments to change. When clients articulate their own motives—often called change talk—the change becomes their own choice, which boosts readiness and the likelihood they’ll act. A counselor might prompt with questions like, “What would be one good thing about changing this behavior?” or “What’s a small step you feel capable of taking next?” The counselor then uses reflective listening to reinforce and deepen these self-motivational statements, helping them become more salient and persuasive to the client.

This approach is favored over simply giving praise, since affirmation is supportive but doesn’t actively generate the client’s own motive to change. Reframing can help perspective, but it doesn’t center on extracting self-motivational statements. Blaming the client for resistance is counterproductive and contrary to the collaborative, empathetic stance of MET.