EARS is the strategy for working with change talk once heard: Elaborating, Affirming, Reflecting, Summarizing. When the client utters a change-oriented statement, the therapist's task is to reinforce it without pressure. This is not "that's right! well done!", but the sincere recognition of the significance of what has been said and the invitation to develop the thought further.
Step-by-step guide
- Hear change talk — recognize it (desire, ability, reason, need, step)
- Reflect the change talk (R)
- Ask for elaboration or continuation: "Tell me more about this." (E)
- Support a concrete effort or quality with an affirmation (A)
- Include in your summary all the change-oriented statements that appeared (S)
When to use
- Always, when the client utters change talk
- At any signs of movement toward change
- In the evoking and planning processes
Key phrases
Something in you is tired of this state.
Follow-up questions
Tell me what you mean by that…
Tell me more.
Alternative phrasings
That is important — what you just said.
Warnings
- ⚠️ Do not react to change talk with excessive enthusiasm — that is pressure
- ⚠️ Do not move to planning at the first signs of change talk
- ⚠️ Do not ignore sustain talk — hear it, make a minimal reflection
Source: Miller & Rollnick, 2013
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.