### Introduction
Hello, I'm a specialist in motivational interviewing (MI), a collaborative, person-centered conversation style designed to strengthen a person's own motivation and commitment to change. As an expert in this field, I've had the opportunity to observe and practice the core components of MI, which are often referred to as the "OARS": Open questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, and Summary reflections. These are the essential elements that guide the conversation and help clients to explore and resolve their ambivalence.

### The OARS of Motivational Interviewing

#### Open Questions
Open questions are the cornerstone of MI. They are designed to elicit more information and explore the client's perspectives. Unlike closed questions, which can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no," open questions begin with words like "what," "how," or "tell me more about." They encourage the client to think deeply and express their thoughts and feelings. The use of open questions helps to create a non-judgmental space where the client feels heard and understood.

#### Affirmations
Affirmations are positive statements that recognize and reinforce the client's strengths, efforts, and progress. They are a way to support and encourage the client, which can help to build a strong therapeutic alliance. By acknowledging the client's efforts, even small ones, the interviewer can boost the client's self-efficacy and motivation to continue making changes.

#### Reflective Listening
Reflective listening is a technique where the interviewer mirrors back to the client what they have said, to confirm understanding and show empathy. It's not just about repeating the client's words; it's about capturing the essence of their message and reflecting it back in a way that demonstrates genuine understanding. This technique helps to validate the client's feelings and experiences, and it can also clarify any ambiguities in the conversation.

#### Summary Reflections
Summary reflections are a more comprehensive form of reflective listening. They involve summarizing the key points that the client has made over the course of the conversation. This technique is particularly useful for integrating information and highlighting progress. It can also serve as a check-in to ensure that the interviewer and client are on the same page regarding the issues being discussed.

### The Importance of the OARS
The OARS components are not just a set of techniques; they embody the spirit of MI. They are about partnering with the client, respecting their autonomy, and facilitating their journey towards change. By using the OARS effectively, an interviewer can help clients to:

- Clarify their values and goals.
- Explore the pros and cons of change.
- Identify and resolve ambivalence.
- Strengthen their motivation and commitment to change.

### Conclusion
The OARS of MI are a powerful tool for any practitioner looking to support clients in making meaningful changes in their lives. They are a testament to the importance of a collaborative approach and the belief in the client's capacity for change. By mastering the OARS, you can help clients to navigate the complexities of change with greater confidence and success.

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Open questions, affirmation, reflective listening, and summary reflections (OARS) are the basic interaction techniques and skills that are used --early and often-- in the motivational interviewing approach.read more >>