When clients face conflicting priorities, motivational interviewing can effectively bring clarity and alignment. Reflective listening is key—acknowledge their concerns by paraphrasing their thoughts to show empathy and understanding. Use open-ended questions to encourage deeper exploration, such as, “What matters most to you right now?” or “How do these priorities align with your long-term goals?” Regularly summarize the conversation to clarify key points and ensure mutual understanding. This collaborative approach fosters trust and helps clients navigate their conflicts. How do you address conflicting priorities during sessions? Share your strategies!

When a client is torn between conflicting priorities, I start by acknowledging their struggle, creating a safe space for them to explore their thoughts. I might say, “It sounds like you’re feeling stuck between these two options, and both seem important to you.” We then gently explore what each priority means to them, asking open questions like, “What does this choice represent for you?” or “How does this fit with what you want in the bigger picture?” I reflect their words back, helping them hear their own motivations and uncover clarity. By the end, I ask, “What feels right to you now?” This keeps the focus on their autonomy and self-discovery.

Seek understanding. Explore pros and cons of choosing one over the other. Be supportive rather than giving advice. Facilitate in developing a plan.

Actively listen to provide a safe space to voice any concerns or gaps. And then repeat back what was said, acknowledging their view. Offer suggestions that can align with their views, and maybe setup another future conversation to talk about progress.

Use motivational interviewing by actively listening to your client’s concerns and priorities. Reflect on their statements to clarify goals, explore ambivalence, and highlight common ground. Encourage collaborative problem-solving to address conflicts while keeping the session focused on their ultimate objectives.

Navigating conflicting priorities in a session using motivational interviewing is about finding alignment rather than imposing solutions. Start by listening empathetically—allow the client to express both sides of their dilemma without judgment. Reflect their ambivalence back to them to help them recognize the underlying values or fears driving their priorities. Use open-ended questions like, "What feels most important to you right now?" or "How do these choices fit into your bigger picture?" This approach empowers the client to clarify their path while feeling fully supported.

When clients have conflicting priorities, I like to first use reflective listening or summarizing and clarifying. If I know the client well, I often know which strategy is most helpful for them. Once I do that, I will often ask them the pros and cons of each, and I'll ask these in a different way then the often expect. I'll ask what are the pros on not adopting the habit or change the behavior. This usually helps them start to think, and it helps me dig in to form better questions to find the underlying discrepancy. Then it is easier to find out if there is a block, they aren't in the action stage of change or if we can come up with a simple solution to what felt like a complicated problem!

Hay un ejercicio que suelo utilizar, me gusta y también suele romper el hielo en estas situaciones; los invito a imaginar que están sosteniendo dos linternas, cada una iluminando un camino diferente. Les pregunto: "¿Qué ilumina más claramente el destino al que deseas llegar?". En lugar de apresurar una elección, exploramos qué les atrae de cada camino y qué les impide avanzar. Uso metáforas para convertir la sesión en un espacio de reflexión profunda, donde las prioridades dejan de competir y comienzan a complementarse, revelando un tercer camino: el equilibrio. Mi rol es acompañarles mientras ajustan el foco de esas linternas, hasta que su claridad ilumine su decisión. Se genera un ambiente generativo y de cambios profundos.