In the OARS motivational interviewing framework, what does the "S" stand for?

In the OARS motivational interviewing framework, the "S" stands for Summarizing Statements. This technique involves restating or paraphrasing what a client has said during the conversation, which helps to clarify their thoughts and feelings. Summarizing serves multiple purposes: it reinforces the information shared by the client, ensures that the practitioner understands their perspective correctly, and encourages the client to reflect further on their statements. This reflective process can help clients feel heard and validated, fostering a stronger therapeutic alliance and promoting engagement in the change process.

Focusing on summarizing allows the interviewer to highlight important aspects of the dialogue, making it a critical component of effective communication in motivational interviewing. This skill enhances the overall interaction and leads to more fruitful discussions around behavior change and goal setting.