Learn how Motivational Interviewing can help clients overcome self-perception issues and gain clarity about themselves.

A sure fire way to build empathy is to ask one of the single most important questions: “What do you think (insert person) has seen in you?” a) this helps clients dig in the past b) the past may have positive exceptions c) it’s easier to describe others than yourself The hope is asking this question helps your client idealize how others notice them. And when one is noticed, empathy for what is said may build for the self. In turn, self perception is now under development. It’s hard enough to think for yourself sometimes. And easier to project your thoughts on to others before you redirect it toward your own being. And if that don’t work, try this: “Pretend they saw something in you, what would that be?” This helps too. Good luck.

Last updated on Aug 17, 2024

Your client struggles with self-perception issues. How can you help them see themselves more clearly?

When your client struggles with self-perception issues, it's essential to recognize the impact these challenges can have on their overall well-being. Self-perception is the way individuals view themselves, which can often be distorted by negative thoughts and feelings. As a helper, you can guide your clients towards a more accurate and compassionate understanding of themselves using the principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI). MI is a collaborative, client-centered counseling style that enhances motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence.

1 Explore Values

To help your client see themselves more clearly, start by exploring their core values and beliefs. This helps identify what is truly important to them, separate from the negative self-perceptions they may have internalized. By discussing values, you can encourage your client to reflect on their actions and behaviors, and how these align with their true self. This process not only fosters self-awareness but also reinforces their ability to make choices that reflect their authentic self, contributing to a healthier self-perception.

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Mrs. Christina Pierce

MBTI Master Practitioner & NCPRSS
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Sometimes people have a negative self- schema which tells them they are better or worse than others. As we uncover personal values we discover personal beliefs. Many times we see that what is believed is perception...when perspective is needed. We can empower people by leveraging radical acceptance and MI to explore these unique ideologies.

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2 Build Empathy

Building empathy is crucial in helping your client develop a clearer self-view. Through empathetic listening, you validate their feelings without judgment, creating a safe space for self-exploration. This empathetic approach allows your client to express their thoughts and concerns openly, which can lead to significant insights into how they perceive themselves. By feeling understood, your client is more likely to engage in the process of reevaluating and adjusting their self-perception.

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Jacob Kountz

Got ADHD? Pay What You Want for my products. (ADHD at Work course coming soon)
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A sure fire way to build empathy is to ask one of the single most important questions: “What do you think (insert person) has seen in you?” a) this helps clients dig in the past b) the past may have positive exceptions c) it’s easier to describe others than yourself The hope is asking this question helps your client idealize how others notice them. And when one is noticed, empathy for what is said may build for the self. In turn, self perception is now under development. It’s hard enough to think for yourself sometimes. And easier to project your thoughts on to others before you redirect it toward your own being. And if that don’t work, try this: “Pretend they saw something in you, what would that be?” This helps too. Good luck.

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3 Reflective Listening

Employing reflective listening is a key aspect of Motivational Interviewing that can aid in improving self-perception. This technique involves restating or paraphrasing what your client has said to ensure understanding and to show that their thoughts and feelings are being heard. Reflective listening can help your client recognize and reconsider their negative self-assessments, fostering a more realistic and positive self-view.

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4 Elicit Change Talk

Encouraging your client to engage in 'change talk' is a powerful way to help them see themselves more clearly. Change talk refers to the client's own arguments for change, which can be elicited through strategic questioning and discussion. By focusing on their desire, ability, reasons, and need for change, you empower your client to articulate their aspirations and challenges, leading to a more balanced self-perception.

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5 Affirm Strengths

Highlighting and affirming your client's strengths is a vital step in helping them improve self-perception. By recognizing and reinforcing their positive attributes and accomplishments, you can help shift the focus from what they perceive as flaws to what they can confidently claim as their strengths. This positive reinforcement can boost their self-esteem and encourage a more accurate and favorable view of themselves.

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Alicia Hutton, M.S., LMFT, ACRPS

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist | Specialist in ADHD, Autism, & Complex PTSD | Neurodiversity-Affirming & Trauma-Informed Care | Clinical Supervisor & Trainer
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It's important to incorporate affirmations to reinforce clients’ positive attributes and past successes. Highlighting their strengths helps counterbalance negative self-perceptions. For example, "You’ve shown resilience in navigating xyz challenges. How might these strengths help you overcome this situation?"

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6 Plan for Progress

Finally, collaborating with your client to create a plan for progress can solidify their improved self-perception. This involves setting realistic goals and identifying strategies to achieve them, which reinforces the client's belief in their ability to make positive changes. By having a clear plan, your client can track their progress, which in turn can enhance their sense of self-efficacy and clarity in how they see themselves.

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Your client struggles with self-perception issues. How can you help them see themselves more clearly?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Explore Values

2 Build Empathy

3 Reflective Listening

4 Elicit Change Talk

5 Affirm Strengths

6 Plan for Progress

Motivational Interviewing

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Your client struggles with self-perception issues. How can you help them see themselves more clearly?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Explore Values

2 Build Empathy

3 Reflective Listening

4 Elicit Change Talk

5 Affirm Strengths

6 Plan for Progress

Motivational Interviewing

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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