Open-Ended Questions in Motivational Interviewing

Explore practical examples of open-ended questions in motivational interviewing to enhance your coaching skills.
By Taylor

Understanding Open-Ended Questions in Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a collaborative conversational style designed to strengthen a person’s own motivation and commitment to change. At the heart of MI are open-ended questions, which encourage clients to explore their thoughts and feelings deeply. Unlike closed questions, which can be answered with a simple ‘yes’ or ’no’, open-ended questions invite clients to share more about their experiences and aspirations. Here are three practical examples of open-ended questions that you can use in motivational interviewing.

Example 1: Exploring Ambitions

In a life coaching session, you might be working with a client who feels stuck in their career and is unsure about the next steps. This is an excellent opportunity to use an open-ended question that encourages reflection on their ambitions.

You could ask: “What are some goals you have for your career that excite you?” This question prompts the client to think beyond their current situation and articulate their aspirations and desires. It opens the door for a deeper discussion about their passion, skills, and what they envision for their future.

Notes: Consider following up with questions like, “What steps do you think you need to take to achieve those goals?” to keep the conversation flowing and focused on actionable steps.

Example 2: Addressing Challenges

Another common scenario in motivational interviewing is helping a client navigate challenges they face in making a change. For instance, if a client is trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle but feels overwhelmed, you can ask an open-ended question to explore their feelings.

You might say: “What do you find most challenging about making these lifestyle changes?” This question allows the client to express their concerns, fears, and obstacles in their own words. It also provides insight into their thought process and emotional landscape, which can be crucial for developing strategies to overcome these challenges.

Notes: Encourage further exploration by asking, “How do those challenges impact your motivation?” This helps them articulate the relationship between their challenges and their desire to change.

Example 3: Reflecting on Values

Understanding a client’s core values is essential for meaningful change. If you’re working with someone who is considering a significant life change, such as moving to a new city or starting a new relationship, you can guide them to reflect on their values with an open-ended question.

Ask: “How does this potential change align with your core values?” This question encourages clients to think critically about their decision-making process and how their values influence their choices. It helps them gain clarity on whether the change is truly what they want or if it may be driven by external pressures.

Notes: Follow up with, “What values are most important to you in this decision?” to deepen their self-awareness and commitment to their chosen path.

By using these examples of open-ended questions in motivational interviewing, you can foster meaningful conversations that empower your clients, helping them to explore their motivations, face their challenges, and align their actions with their values.