This manual includes a series of “topic-focused modular applications” designed particularly for counselors and group facilitators working in substance abuse treatment programs. The collection of applications contains focused, easily accessible, and brief adaptive strategies for engaging clients in discussions and activities on motivation.

This manual is a collection of materials for leading counseling sessions that address motivation and readiness for change.

Modular applications in this manual 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.