Change talk is any statement by the client in favor of change. It is the heart of MI: the therapist does not convince, but creates conditions in which the client begins to argue for change themselves. Change talk divides into preparatory (DARN: Desire, Ability, Reasons, Need) and mobilizing (CAT: Commitment, Activation, Taking steps). Mobilizing change talk is more strongly linked with actual change.
Step-by-step guide
- Ask open questions about change talk: "What troubles you in the current situation?" (Need)
- Use the importance and confidence rulers — they automatically evoke change talk
- Explore values and discrepancy: "What matters to you in life? How does that sit with what is happening now?"
- The "looking forward" technique: "If things go well, where do you see yourself in 5 years?"
- When you hear change talk — reflect it, strengthen it, ask for more: "Tell me more…"
- Do not reinforce sustain talk — make short reflections and return to change talk
When to use
- In the evoking stage, as the main strategy
- In ambivalence — it helps tilt the scales
- In low motivation for change
- In work with addictions and chronic illness
Key phrases
On a scale from 0 to 10, how important is it for you to change this right now?
Follow-up questions
What — even faintly — tells you that maybe something is worth changing?
Tell me more about this.
Alternative phrasings
Imagine that in a year you decided to change this. What would be the best thing in that decision for you?
Warnings
- ⚠️ Do not strengthen sustain talk — it reinforces resistance
- ⚠️ Do not move to CAT (commitments) too early — a sufficient foundation of DARN is needed
- ⚠️ Remember: your task is to evoke, not to convince
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.