Client Vignette: "Somewhere Between Stuck and Ready"

Noa Arden is a 27-year-old currently living at home with their parents.

Client Name: Noa Arden (Arden is not their last name)

Age: 27

Scaffolding:

- Identify ambivalence and avoidance
- Practice OARS with emotional nuance
- Explore change talk versus sustain talk
- Reflect on how to collaborate without pushing
- Consider how culture, family, and autonomy intersect in MI work

Noa Arden is a 27-year-old currently living at home with their parents. While the household is physically safe and familiar, Noa describes it as feeling "tight," "tense," and "not really mine." They've talked about wanting to have their own place for the last couple of years but haven't made concrete moves to secure housing. When asked what's stopping them, Noa often shrugs and says, "I wouldn't even know where to begin."

Noa was enrolled in a community college program and had completed most of the coursework toward an Associate's degree. They stopped attending two years ago, with only three classes remaining. Noa expresses interest in finishing but avoids conversations about reenrollment. Sometimes they say it's about money, and other times it's about time or motivation, but rarely with clarity or follow-up.

Currently, Noa works part-time at a local factory. The pay is decent, and they take pride in being reliable at work, but most of their free time is spent out with friends—often at bars or parties. When asked about this, Noa jokes, "It's kind of my only real outlet these days." They acknowledge occasional substance use but don't offer details, and note that they "drink socially, not to get wasted."

Their parents have voiced growing concern, especially about Noa's spending habits, legal situation, and general direction in life. These conversations have led to frequent tension and arguments in the home. About a year ago, Noa was charged with trespassing at an ex-partner's parents' house and is currently on probation. Noa downplays the incident, saying it was "dumb, but not who I am."

In sessions, Noa often describes feeling "drained" and "low-key stressed about everything." They clarify that they don't feel depressed, just "tired of where things are at." Noa also describes frequent bouts of anxiety about their future, but struggles to articulate what they want. They deny any thoughts of self-harm or suicide and are not known to have a mental health diagnosis.

When asked directly what brought them to services, Noa pauses and says, "I want to change. I do... I just don't know how to start, or even what starting would look like."