Motivational interviewing is a counseling technique that helps individuals explore their ambivalence towards changing their behavior and ultimately motivates them to make positive changes in their lives. This approach is widely used in addiction treatment, healthcare, and mental health settings to help clients overcome resistance and make lasting changes.

One of the key tools in motivational interviewing is the use of worksheets and activities to guide the counseling process and help clients identify their goals, values, and motivations for change. Here, we have compiled a list of 18 best motivational interviewing worksheets and activities that can be used by therapists, counselors, and clients to facilitate the change process.

1. Values Card Sort: This activity helps clients identify their core values and priorities, which can serve as a foundation for setting goals and making decisions.

2. Decisional Balance Worksheet: This worksheet helps clients weigh the pros and cons of making a change, allowing them to see the benefits of change and the costs of staying the same.

3. Goal-Setting Worksheet: This worksheet helps clients set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals that are actionable and realistic.

4. Change Talk Worksheet: This worksheet helps clients identify and explore their reasons for wanting to change, known as “change talk,” which can increase their motivation for change.

5. Confidence Ruler: This activity helps clients assess their confidence in making a change on a scale of 1 to 10, allowing them to track their progress over time.

6. Scaling Questions: These questions help clients evaluate their current level of readiness and commitment to change, allowing them to identify barriers and solutions.

7. Goal Visualization: This activity helps clients visualize themselves achieving their goals, which can increase motivation and commitment to change.

8. My Change Story: This worksheet allows clients to reflect on their past experiences with change, identify patterns of success and failure, and create a plan for future change.

9. Future Self Exercise: This activity helps clients imagine their future selves after making a positive change, allowing them to connect with their motivations and goals.

10. Pros and Cons List: This classic motivational interviewing tool helps clients identify the advantages and disadvantages of making a change, allowing them to make informed decisions.

11. Values Exploration Worksheet: This worksheet helps clients explore their values and priorities, guiding them to make choices that align with their core beliefs.

12. Strengths Assessment: This activity helps clients identify and leverage their strengths, resources, and support networks to facilitate change.

13. Decision-Making Matrix: This tool helps clients analyze their options, outcomes, and potential obstacles, allowing them to make strategic decisions that support their goals.

14. Change Plan Worksheet: This worksheet helps clients create a concrete plan for change, including specific actions, timelines, and accountability measures.

15. Role-Play Scenarios: This activity allows clients to practice expressing their motivations, goals, and plans for change in a safe and supportive environment.

16. Self-Reflection Journal: This tool encourages clients to reflect on their progress, setbacks, and insights gained throughout the change process, promoting self-awareness and learning.

17. Action Steps Checklist: This worksheet helps clients break down their goals into manageable action steps, allowing them to track their progress and stay motivated.

18. Gratitude List: This simple activity helps clients focus on the positive aspects of their lives, fostering a sense of gratitude and resilience in the face of change.

In conclusion, motivational interviewing worksheets and activities are powerful tools that can support clients in their journey towards positive change. By using these resources, therapists and counselors can help clients explore their motivations, beliefs, and goals, facilitating a deeper understanding of themselves and empowering them to make lasting changes in their lives.