What is the focus of the Active Change stage in the Motivational Interviewing process?

The Active Change stage in the Motivational Interviewing process is centered on giving information and providing choices for action. This stage emphasizes collaboration between the individual and the support specialist, focusing on empowering the person to make informed choices about their change. During this phase, the aim is to enhance the individual's motivation and commitment to change by discussing options, exploring various strategies, and helping them identify the steps they can take.

Providing choices plays a crucial role because it respects the autonomy of the individual and recognizes that they are the ones who will ultimately implement the strategies for change. This approach fosters a sense of ownership over their recovery journey, which is vital for sustaining motivation and engagement.

In contrast, other options do not accurately represent the intent of the Active Change stage. For instance, managing community resources pertains more to logistical support than to the core focus of motivating individual change. Similarly, planning for long-term maintenance is better suited for later stages of the recovery process, where the focus shifts to sustaining the changes made. Encouraging passive participation does not align with the active engagement and proactive decision-making encouraged in this transformative stage.