OARS

OARS

a core framework of interaction techniques used in motivational interviewing

what does OARs do

provides a structured set of communication skills designed to help clinicians, counsloors, coaches, and practictions:

build rapport

explore a persons intrinsic motivation

support positive behavior change

what process of MI is OARs a aprt of

engaging

OARS acronym

open ended questions

affirmations

reflective listening

summarizing

why do we do open ended questions

encourages elaboration

builds trust

allows the pracitioner to understand from clients perspective

open ended questions

instead of asking questions that lead to simple yes or no answer open ended questions invite the individual to share their thoughts feelings and experiences in detail

affirmation

accentuate the psotive

statements of recognition that highlight an individuals strengths, positive actions, intention, resources, or past successes

support and encouragement of affirnmations

builds self efficacy

fosters hope

validates effor

praise

focuses on outcome or behaviora

affirmation

focuses on the persons effor strenths values

reflective listening

involves making statements that mirror or rephrase what the individual has expressed

can range from simple rephrasing to deep reflection on underlying emotions or meaning

demonstrates active listening, reduces defensiveness and helps the individual clarify their own feelings and thoguhts

4 things of reflective listening

reflect the clients message

avoid advice or judgement

capture thoguhts feelings or ambivalence

encourage the client to keep talking

what does summarizing do

gathers key points from the conversation and presents them back tot he individual

why do we summarize

ensures mutual understanding

highlights ambivcalence

ceates transitional points in a session

reinforces crucial insights shared by the client