Focusing the Conversation

There are three different scenarios for focusing a conversation with your client:

Three Common Scenarios
Clear Direction When the client knows what they want to change
Choices in Direction When there are several clear areas to address or discuss
Unclear Direction When the client presents with no obvious focus for change

An example of when there are many choices in direction

Recently, your client Katrina was diagnosed with a disease. Katrina smokes daily and is overweight, both of which impact this illness. Katrina has come to see you because she is looking for tips to manage the disease so that she can get back to work. She is struggling financially and needs to be working on a full-time basis.

How do you know where to begin?

You might be tempted to focus on a particular issue that you feel is most urgent or important for Katrina to address. The problem with this is:

  • You both may feel overwhelmed by the challenges Karina is facing which can cause you to rush into a decision without reflecting on all the options. This may lead to going down “wrong” path.
  • You make a decision based on your “expertise” as a healthcare provider without taking into consideration your client’s point of view. Relying on your own expertise alone is not very collaborative (remember the importance of MI Spirit) and can compromise your relationship with the client.