Strategic Responses: Double-Sided Reflection

Use a reflection that acknowledges a supervisee’s sustain talk and add their change talk. Paraphrase back both sides of a supervisee’s ambivalence. End with the change talk.

Supervisee: I do not want to go back, but I love hanging around old friends.
Staff: You think it’s going to be a real challenge to change your behavior and you realize how important it is to stay out of prison.
Supervisee: I can see how shoplifting gets me in trouble, but I never seem to have enough money for the things that I need.
Staff: You don’t earn enough to cover your expenses and you want to avoid the trouble that comes with shoplifting.