A technique of the focusing process of MI: a joint identification of the theme or direction of the conversation from several possibilities. Instead of the therapist deciding alone what "today is about", client and therapist together "map" the possible directions. The instrument — a bubble chart. The key principle: the client chooses the focus.
Step-by-step guide
- Introduce the context: "Today we could talk about different things. Let's look at what matters for you."
- Show the bubble chart with possible themes and empty circles
- Ask: "Look at this sheet — what resonates as important for you?"
- Let the client add their own themes
- Ask about priority: "What of these would you want to put first?"
When to use
- At the start of a series of sessions or in work with several concerns
- When the client has many themes and it is unclear where to start
- In health-coaching work
- When the therapist has their own agenda, but it is important to preserve the client's autonomy
Key phrases
On this sheet there are several themes we could discuss. What matters for you? Is there something not in the list?
Follow-up questions
Of all this — what feels most important right now?
Alternative phrasings
Which of these would you like to talk about today?
Warnings
- ⚠️ Do not impose a theme that seems important to you — first listen to the client
- ⚠️ Do not overload the sheet — 6–8 bubbles maximum
- ⚠️ Agenda mapping is not for every session, but for the start of the work
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.