Assignment task:
At least 200 words
- At least one scholarly citation in APA format.
- Any sources cited must have been published within the last five years.
- Acceptable sources include the Bible, course texts, relevant books, and peer-reviewed articles.
Reply to Shawnna Collins
What are the potential "pitfalls" when an ambivalent client meets a helper who has the "fixing reflex"? Need Assignment Help?
Dr. David Jenkins explains in the video Motivational Interviewing that a central task of MI is helping clients resolve ambivalence, the natural back-and-forth process that occurs during decision-making about change. When ambivalent clients encounter a helper who operates from the "fixing reflex," resistance is more likely to increase rather than decrease. Miller and Rollnick (2023) define the "fixing reflex" as the helper's instinctive tendency to correct, persuade, or offer solutions prematurely. Instead of facilitating change, this approach often prompts clients to defend their current behaviors, thereby strengthening sustain talk and deepening ambivalence. From a behavioral and social perspective, Hart and Ksir (2022) observe that individuals are particularly resistant to change when they perceive a threat to their autonomy or identity, especially in relation to deeply ingrained behaviors or belief systems. This dynamic is reflected in Scripture, as Proverbs 18:13 (English Standard Version [ESV], 2001) warns against responding before fully listening. When helpers rush to "fix" the problem, they risk silencing the client's internal motivation and weakening the relational trust necessary for meaningful and lasting change.
Briefly name and discuss the four key interrelated elements of the "spirit of MI."
The "spirit of Motivational Interviewing (MI)" is grounded in four interrelated elements: partnership, acceptance, compassion, and empowerment, which together shape the relational foundation of the approach. Partnership emphasizes collaboration rather than hierarchy, recognizing that while the practitioner may bring professional knowledge, clients are the true experts on their own lives, experiences, and motivations for change. This shared decision-making process honors the client's voice and fosters mutual respect in the helping relationship. Acceptance involves affirming the client's inherent worth, autonomy, and capacity for growth. By conveying empathy, warmth, and nonjudgmental understanding, practitioners create a therapeutic environment that facilitates change, a factor consistently supported in psychotherapy research (Miller & Rollnick, 2023). Compassion reflects a deliberate commitment to act in the client's best interest, prioritizing their well-being rather than advancing the helper's personal agenda. It embodies an ethic of care that seeks to alleviate suffering and promote positive transformation. Finally, empowerment centers on eliciting and strengthening the client's own reasons and confidence for change, affirming their ability to choose and sustain meaningful behavioral shifts rather than imposing external motivation (Miller & Rollnick, 2023). Collectively, these elements align with biblical principles of humility and selfless concern for others, as reflected in Philippians 2:4 (ESV, 2001), which urges believers to look not only to their own interests but also to the interests of others. This scriptural mandate reinforces the MI spirit by emphasizing collaboration, respect for autonomy, compassionate service, and the uplifting of others toward growth and restoration.
Watch the video: The Effective Physician: Motivational Interviewing Demonstration and then look at chapter 1 of the Miller & Rollnick text, and then discuss how the physician is following all four elements of the spirit of MI.
In The Effective Physician: Motivational Interviewing Demonstration, the physician exemplifies the spirit of MI in practice. Rather than relying on directive or prescriptive strategies, the physician engages the parent in a collaborative, empathetic, and autonomy-supportive conversation that exemplifies MI practice. Partnership is evident in the physician's collaborative stance throughout the interaction. She approaches the parent as an equal partner in addressing the child's health concerns, rather than positioning herself as the sole expert. Early in the conversation, the physician explores the parent's perspectives and challenges instead of issuing directives, inviting her to share how smoking fits into her life (MerloLab, 2012). When discussing potential changes, the physician asks whether the parent would be "interested" in exploring options and emphasizes finding solutions that "fit into your life. This approach aligns with Miller and Rollnick's (2023) description of partnership as a shared process in which change is co-constructed rather than imposed.
Acceptance is demonstrated through the physician's nonjudgmental and empathetic responses. She acknowledges the parent's stress and recognizes smoking as a coping mechanism without criticism (MerloLab, 2012). By reflecting the parent's ambivalence, "on the one hand you're worried... on the other hand you're not so sure", the physician validates her internal conflict while honoring her autonomy. This reflects Miller and Rollnick's (2023) emphasis on acceptance as affirming a client's inherent worth, capacity for change, and right to self-direction. Compassion is evident in the physician's clear prioritization of both the child's and the parent's well-being. Her concern about the child's recurring ear infections and her desire to help the parent find a cessation approach that meets her individual needs demonstrate a commitment to acting in the client's best interest (MerloLab, 2012). The video explicitly notes the physician's "genuine desire to help them make positive changes," reinforcing that her motivation is rooted in benevolence rather than control. This aligns with Miller and Rollnick's (2023) assertion that compassion in MI involves intentionally promoting the client's welfare.
Finally, empowerment is strongly reflected in the physician's use of open-ended questions to draw out the parent's own reasons for change. Rather than lecturing about the dangers of smoking, she asks what motivated the parent not to smoke around her child and what influenced her decision to quit during pregnancy (MerloLab, 2012). Through reflective listening, the physician helps the parent articulate her confidence and awareness of health risks, eliciting statements such as "I know I can do it" and "I know all the ways it's bad for me" (MerloLab, 2012). This process exemplifies empowerment as described by Miller and Rollnick (2023), wherein motivation for change is drawn from within the client rather than supplied by the practitioner.
Dr. Jenkins talks about how we can use the "stages of change" model with those who are ambivalent about accepting Christ. Pick either "Precontemplation" or "Contemplation" (you can internet search for "stages of change" pretty easy, or go to The Stages of Change. Briefly explain what a person who is in that stage without Christ looks like, and how we can help them move towards the "Preparation" stage. Note: while this is an older video, Dr. Jenkins does an excellent job of taking MI concepts and applying it to those who need The Savior.
Individuals in the Contemplation stage without Christ often show spiritual awareness while remaining ambivalent. They may recognize the truth of the gospel yet hesitate due to fear of change, loss of control, or attachment to familiar lifestyles. Ambivalence is a normal part of change, especially when sacrifice is anticipated (Miller & Rollnick, 2023). Scripture repeatedly illustrates this contemplative struggle. For example, the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-22 (ESV, 2001) demonstrates awareness of spiritual truth and genuine interest in eternal life yet ultimately walks away sorrowful due to his attachment to wealth. Similarly, King Agrippa's response to Paul, "In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian" (Acts 26:28, ESV, 2001) captures the essence of contemplation having proximity to decision without full commitment. These passages affirm that contemplation is not spiritual resistance, but a moment of wrestling that requires patience and grace.
Movement toward the Preparation stage occurs when contemplation shifts from passive consideration to intentional readiness. Helpers can facilitate this transition by using MI-consistent strategies such as open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations that draw out the individual's own values and spiritual longings. For example, asking questions such as, "What do you think life might look like if Christ were more central in it?" or "What concerns you most about taking the next step of faith?" allows individuals to verbalize both desire and hesitation. Reflecting these responses back helps clarify ambivalence and increases internal motivation.
References:
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). Crossway Online.
Hart, C. &Ksir, C. (2022). Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior (18th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. ISBN: 9781260711059.