TMI Approaches
"One size doesn't fit them all"
Versatility, such as the ability to approach a situation from a variety of angles, is important for sustainable client outcomes since the best methodology won’t work if the client isn’t comfortable with it.
In support of maximising client outcomes, TMI utilises a number of methodologies aimed at achieving effective client fit…
“Clients must feel comfortable with the methodology in order to work well with it.”
Representational Interaction Method [RIM]
“What do you don’t when the client struggles to talk about what is bothering them?”
It has long been recognised that there is a gender difference in the willingness and/or ability to discuss issues or seek help.
A particular challenge for managers, EAP providers, trauma therapists and others is working with clients who are reluctant or struggle to put into words their thoughts, concerns and emotions.
Industries particularly affected by such a restriction include agriculture, resources and construction where the stereotype still prevails of ‘real men’ never needing help or discussing anything other than sport, fishing and sex.
Representational Interaction Method [RIM] is a method for allowing clients unable or unwilling to articulate their feelings and experiences to find expression.
RIM provides an alternative to words. Participants chose physical items to represent key themes, relationships, emotional connections, aspirations and barriers and place them within a container representing their ‘world’.
The value of RIM is that it enables anyone resistant to discussing their concerns to sidestep the verbal and instead use concrete objects to illustrate their inner world. The result is a shortcut to resistance which fast-tracks the client to self-expression and practical outcomes.
Motivational Interviewing [MI]
“What do you do when the client isn’t interested in changing?”
There are five reasons why a person won’t change their situation…
LEVEL 1: They don’t believe or are unaware that they have a problem.
LEVEL 2: They know they have a problem, but don’t believe there is a solution.
LEVEL 3: They know they have a problem, know there is a solution, but don’t believe they can implement it.
LEVEL 4: They know they have a problem, know there is a solution, suspect they can implement it, but currently see that they ‘cost’ of changing outweighs the ‘rewards’.
LEVEL 5: They know they have a problem, know there is a solution, suspect they can implement it, and can see that ‘cost’ of staying the same far outweighs the ‘cost’ of changing.
Until an individual arrives at level 5 … they WON’T change.
Motivational Interviewing [MI] is an evidence-based person-centred approach for assisting people to identify why they may be reluctant or ambivalent about change.
The exploration and resolution of this resistance is core to the methodology.
“Without commitment … all you have is lip-service.”
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy/Coaching [SFBT]
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy [SFBT] or Coaching is ideally suited to organisations and/or individuals that want rapid, practical outcomes.
The approach focuses on identifying goals and the resources available to the client for achieving them. It appeals to clients who want to focus their thinking on the ‘here and now’ and ‘building a future’, rather than delve into why a situation might have come about.
The methodology works well in conjunction with Motivational Interviewing in that it both identifies the goals as well as barriers to achieving them.