About this intervention
TIC-Motivation is based on 4 sessions focused on aspects of cognition that govern decisions to change behavior. It relies on visual-communication tools and related cognitive strategies to engage clients in discussions of this topic (see a related TCU intervention, Mapping the Journey). Participants are encouraged to make a commitment on a specific behavior or attitude they are willing to work on and report on to the group over the course of the intervention. It features a leader’s script, with notes and suggested discussion questions for exploring the meaning of motivation and ways in which clients can develop it and put it into action. Information is explored from a strength-based perspective that encourages participants to consider goals on which they are willing to work. In addition to leader guides, handout materials for participants are included at the end of the session. Sections of the intervention include Motivation 101 Introduction, Art of Self-Motivation, Staying Motivated, and Making Motivation Second Nature. This intervention is a collection of materials for leading counseling sessions that address motivation and readiness for change.
Modular applications in this intervention include:
- Motivation 101 helps clients begin to think about aspects of motivation that govern decisions to change behavior. It utilizes node-link mapping and related cognitive strategies (see Mapping the Journey) to engage clients in discussions of motivation. As part of this introductory process, clients are invited to make a commitment to a behavior or attitude they are willing to work on and report to the group about over the course of the 4-sessions in the module. This session features a leader’s script, with notes and suggested discussion questions for exploring the meaning of motivation and the ways in which clients develop it and put it into action. The information is explored from a strength-based perspective that encourages clients to consider goals they are willing to work on. In addition to leader materials, handout materials for participants are included at the end of the session.
- The Art of Self-Motivation provides clients with further ideas about increasing motivation. Clients are encouraged to discuss progress and challenges in working on their “target”—the behavior or attitude they desire to change as part of the motivation group. Clients are introduced to the thought processes and action phases of motivation and change. They complete mapping worksheets that focus on impacting decisional balance and commitment to change. The session features a leader’s script, with notes and suggested discussion questions. In addition, handout materials and worksheets for participants are included at the end of the session. Source: TCU/Institute of Behavioral Research. Original material, plus cognitive strategies from Mapping the Journey.
- Staying Motivated encourages the exploration of strategies for strengthening the commitment to change. Clients begin by discussing progress and challenges in working on their “target”—the behavior or attitude they desire to change as part of the motivation group. Participants are invited to play a brief game that reinforces potential reasons for changing drug behaviors and to practice cognitive techniques that promote self-efficacy and confidence. The session features a leader’s script, with notes and suggested discussion questions. In addition, handout materials and worksheets for participants are included at the end of the session.
- Making it Second Nature explores maintaining gains and staying focused on goals once the change process has started. Clients begin by discussing progress and their observations from working on their “target” during the previous weeks. Participants complete a personal strengths assessment activity designed to focus discussion on characteristics that will help them with their future goals. In addition, they are asked to create and discuss goals and transition plans for avoiding drug use in the future. The session features a leader’s script, with notes and suggested discussion questions. In addition, handout materials and worksheets for participants are included at the end of the session. Source: TCU/Institute of Behavioral Research. Original material, plus cognitive strategies from Tower of Strengths and Preparation for Change.
- Resources — Bibliography and suggested Websites.
The Getting Motivated to Change intervention may be freely used for personal, educational, research, and/or information purposes only. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce and distribute copies of content material (except reprinted passages from copyrighted sources) for nonprofit educational and nonprofit library purposes, provided that copies are distributed at or below costs and that credit for author and source are included on each copy. No part of any material may be copied, downloaded, stored in a retrieval system, or redistributed for any commercial purpose without the expressed written permission of Texas Christian University.
Recommended Citation: Bartholomew, N. G., Dansereau, D. F., & Simpson, D. D. (2006). Getting motivated to change. Fort Worth: Texas Christian University, Institute of Behavioral Research. Available: the IBR Web site: www.ibr.tcu.edu