Wink. Nudge. Shove. Behavioural change is a vital part of what we CPs do. It is ingrained in most of us to offer unsolicited advice on every aspect of people's lives. Gentle forms of persuasion are generally taught on GP training programmes around the country. Motivational interviewing is a current buzz technique. It was new to me when a colleague who had recently undergone training presented to the practice and asked for volunteers. Innocently, I said that I needed to do something about the recurrently messy table top in our kitchen and would be happy to be 'interviewed' by a fellow GP in front of the group. The ensuing conversation was painful. My excuses sounded feeble in the extreme and I felt vulnerable and foolish - but I gained much from the conversation. I was given an insight into the power differential in the 'therapeutic' relationship and, from just a single interview, I really have made a change and keep our table top fairly clear these days.
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