Activity 2

Apply what you learned about motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and positive psychology techniques by using a hypothetical case study situation.

Assume you are a primary care health worker and have several patients who could benefit from lifestyle changes. Create a hypothetical character with lifestyle-related issues such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, etc.

Use the 5-A model to define the stage of change - your ideal hypothetical patient should be between the ‘contemplation’ and the ‘preparation’ stages.

Imagine the scenario in which you introduce the patient to the project and ask for his consent to join this journey to improve his/her health.

Visualize the patient's desired change. This personal decision predicts a higher adherence to the process of change. This is an opportunity to prepare a mutual agenda to keep the patient active and enthusiastic.

Prepare an ACTION PLAN according to S.M.A.R.T. principles and start working on it hypothetically. Remember to choose one small step at the time, as large steps will increase the probability of failure.

Apply the key principles of motivational interviewing in your plan.

Ensure you include strategies to elicit and explore patients' motivations for a change in your hypothetical scenario.

Include some of the CBT techniques you learned in this course in your approach.

Make sure to incorporate the four techniques for integrating positive psychology (Reverse, Develop, Balance, Build) in your strategy.

Write down your thoughts as you progress with your hypothetical case - take notes during your planning.

Write a 250-500 words summary of your approach towards this hypothetical case and reflect on the strategies and techniques implemented.

For this assignment, you need to use a broad set of tools and techniques. There is not a specific order for them, so make sure to maintain a balanced approach and use sample questions if you need them.

Before starting this activity, you can practice including some calibrated questions and statements in your day-to-day life to enhance your understanding and provide better solutions to your hypothetical patient.

At the end of your reflection, make sure to critique your own methods and list down areas of possible improvement.