In the first interview, you begin to motivate clients to see the truth about their problem. Questions about alcohol and other drug use are most appropriately asked as a part of the history of personal habits, such as use of tobacco products and caffeine. Questions should be asked candidly and in a nonjudgmental manner to avoid defensiveness. Remember that this is client-centered interviewing, not professional-centered, and the interview should incorporate the following elements (with the client being free of alcohol at the time of the screening) (DiClemente, 2006a; Prochaska, 2003, 2019):

Offer empathic, objective feedback of data.
Work with ambivalence. Meet the client’s expectations.
Meet the client’s expectations.
Assess the client’s readiness for change.
Assess barriers and strengths significant to recovery efforts.
Reinterpret the client’s experiences in light of the current problem.
Negotiate a follow-up plan. Provide hope.

- - - Perkinson, Robert R.. Chemical Dependency Counseling (p. 6). SAGE Publications. Kindle Edition.

Example of a Motivational Interview Professional:

Helper:
- - Hello, Frank, I am ___________________ [your name]. Why did you come in to see me today?
Client:
- - My wife wanted me to talk to you.
Helper:
- - Why did she want that?
Client:
- - I don’t know
Helper:
- - I talked to your wife on the phone yesterday, and she said she was concerned about your drinking.
Client:
- - She is always concerned about something. Her father was an alcoholic, so she thinks everyone drinks too much. [The client looks irritated.]
Helper:
- - Sounds like things are not going well at home? [The professional mirrors the client’s feelings and facial expression. When you mirror people’s expression, you validate their worldview.]
Client:
- - I don’t know. It is just that she gets all worked up about everything.
Helper:
- - Your wife said you have been drinking heavily every day. She is afraid for you.

- - Perkinson, Robert R.. Chemical Dependency Counseling (p. 6). SAGE Publications. Kindle Edition.