Later in MET, attention is devoted to developing and consolidating a change plan. The theme of the session is typically determined by the counselor, but specific content within the theme is provided by the client. A typical day involving use. Reasons to quit or change. Ideas about how change might occur.
Sessions commonly begin with open-ended questions and end with a summary reflection.
8.3 Session Structure Sessions are rather structured, although in presentation they are flexible and client centered. For example, client minimization or rationalization might be met with various forms of reflective listening, such as double-sided reflection, where both sides of ambivalence are captured. The counselor might also agree with the client's point but then reframe it. Resistance and poor motivation are not regarded as client characteristics but rather as cognitions and behaviors subject to interpersonal influence. Research demonstrates that a counselor can drive resistance levels up and down dramatically according to his or her personal counseling style.