Change talk is language that reflects movement towards change. There are two broad types of change talk: preparatory and mobilizing. Preparatory change talk occurs when the service user is thinking about changing or exploring a specific change. Mobilizing change talk occurs when the service user is ready to commit to change.
Apply strategies for evoking change talk from the service user in the case study you were assigned in Week 2. You will also consider whether you would evoke preparatory or mobilizing change talk with the service user. As you do so, keep in mind that evoking mobilizing change talk (i.e., commitment to change) before the service user is ready can backfire.
To Prepare
Reflect on the service user’s presenting challenge.
Based on the service user and their presenting challenge, identify three strategies for evoking change talk you would use. Then, consider whether you would use preparatory or mobilizing change talk with the service user.
Based on your Hart City service user and their presenting challenge, post a description of three strategies for evoking change talk you would use. Explain why you believe each is the correct strategy to use with your particular service user and their presenting challenge. Then, explain whether you would evoke preparatory or mobilizing change talk with your service user, and why.
HART CITY CSE SCENARIO
Alma
Alma is a 40-year-old woman who has just been admitted to the Hart City Substance Abuse Clinic via a court order. She had three driving under the influence (DUI) offenses in the past year. Recently, while driving under the influence, she jumped a curve and hit a pedestrian. He survived; however, he needs extensive rehabilitation. The police convicted Alma of reckless endangerment as well as drunk driving and ordered her to an inpatient facility. Alma is married with four children all under the age of 16. She is the chief executive officer (CEO) of a multinational organization. Her job requires her to travel two weeks each month. Early on, Alma and her husband decided that he would stay home and raise the children. He is also a writer, but he has yet to publish anything significant. Alma has been the sole financial provider for her family for 16 years. Alma adamantly denies that she has a substance abuse problem and does not want to stay in treatment for the required 30 days. She is hostile towards the staff and in need of an intake assessment and referral for treatment. Her family is also in need of referrals for emotional support.
