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Last updated on Mar 12, 2025
  1. All
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  3. Motivational Interviewing

Your client is torn about pursuing higher education. How can motivational interviewing help?

Your client is torn about pursuing higher education. Motivational interviewing can guide them through this tough decision.

When your client is uncertain about pursuing higher education, motivational interviewing (MI) can be a powerful tool. MI is a client-centered counseling style that helps individuals explore and resolve ambivalence. Here's how to use MI effectively:

  • Ask open-ended questions: Encourage your client to share their thoughts and feelings fully, which can help them clarify their own motivations.

  • Reflective listening: Show empathy by summarizing and reflecting back what your client says, validating their concerns and aspirations.

  • Highlight discrepancies: Help your client recognize the gap between their current situation and their future goals, which can boost their motivation to pursue higher education.

What strategies have you found useful when guiding clients through tough decisions?

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Motivational Interviewing

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Last updated on Mar 12, 2025
  1. All
  2. Healthcare
  3. Motivational Interviewing

Your client is torn about pursuing higher education. How can motivational interviewing help?

Your client is torn about pursuing higher education. Motivational interviewing can guide them through this tough decision.

When your client is uncertain about pursuing higher education, motivational interviewing (MI) can be a powerful tool. MI is a client-centered counseling style that helps individuals explore and resolve ambivalence. Here's how to use MI effectively:

  • Ask open-ended questions: Encourage your client to share their thoughts and feelings fully, which can help them clarify their own motivations.

  • Reflective listening: Show empathy by summarizing and reflecting back what your client says, validating their concerns and aspirations.

  • Highlight discrepancies: Help your client recognize the gap between their current situation and their future goals, which can boost their motivation to pursue higher education.

What strategies have you found useful when guiding clients through tough decisions?

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    Dr Prasanta Kumar Padhi

    Principal @ Higher Education Govt of Odisha | PhD, HR, Writing, Author of 8 books, Academic Mentor and Writer, Creative writer, Journalism, Linkedin Top Voice Translator

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    When clients are uncertain about higher education, Motivational Interviewing (MI) can help them explore their motivations and overcome doubts. Ask open-ended questions to encourage self-reflection and deeper discussion. Use reflective listening to validate their concerns and aspirations, fostering trust and clarity. Highlight discrepancies between their current situation and future goals to help them recognize the benefits of pursuing education. What strategies do you use to guide clients through tough decisions?

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  • Contributor profile photo
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    Dr Prasanta Kumar Padhi

    Principal @ Higher Education Govt of Odisha | PhD, HR, Writing, Author of 8 books, Academic Mentor and Writer, Creative writer, Journalism, Linkedin Top Voice Translator

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    When clients are uncertain about higher education, motivational interviewing can help them explore their ambivalence and make informed decisions. Open-ended questions encourage them to express their thoughts freely, allowing them to clarify their own motivations. Reflective listening builds trust by validating their concerns and aspirations, making them feel understood. Highlighting discrepancies between their current situation and future goals can create a sense of direction and purpose. By guiding them with empathy and curiosity, you empower them to find their own reasons for moving forward. What strategies have worked for you when helping clients navigate important life choices?

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    Belen Plaza Higueras

    Self employed psychotherapist Bristol, London and Online at Belen Plaza Terapia LTD

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    I would ask in detail why they want to pursue higher education, aiming to understand their aspirations and motivations with curiosity and without judgment. By showing genuine interest and empathy, I would create a safe space where they feel heard, understood, and validated. I would explore how they perceive others with higher education and what opportunities they believe it could open up for them. Additionally, I’d inquire about their professional and personal expectations. Lastly, I would guide them in reflecting on the connection between their goals and how higher education could help, encouraging discussion of their motivations, strengths, and past successes.

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    Jignesh Chavada

    "Passionate Educator & Sales Enthusiast | BSc, BEd, MSc | Shaping Learning Futures"

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    1. **Explore Both Sides**: - “What’s drawing you to higher education?” - “What’s holding you back?” 2. **Tap Into Their ‘Why’**: - “How would finishing school change things for you?” - “What would it mean for your future?” 3. **Build Confidence**: Highlight their strengths and past successes to show they’re capable. - “What’s something tough you’ve overcome before?” - “Who or what could help you succeed this time?” 4. **Problem-Solve Together**: Talk about their concerns (like time or money) and brainstorm solutions. - “What’s the biggest challenge, and how could you tackle it?” 5. **Let Them Lead**: Remind them it’s their choice—no pressure.

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    Said Al Jabri 🏆

    🔶 Career Coach | CV & LinkedIn Optimization | Contract, Logistics and Supply Chain Trainer | Digital Promotions via LinkedIn | +40K Network | Helping Professionals Stand Out

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    When clients are uncertain about higher education, motivational interviewing helps them gain clarity: ✅ Encourage Self-Reflection – Open-ended questions uncover true motivations. ✅ Build Trust – Reflective listening validates concerns and aspirations. ✅ Create Direction – Highlighting the gap between present and future fosters purpose. ✅ Guide with Empathy – Empower them to discover their own path forward. 💡 What strategies do you use to help clients make big decisions? 👇 #MotivationalInterviewing #HigherEducation #Empowerment #CareerCoaching #DecisionMaking

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