Protagonists

Abstract: Trainees explore various strategies for resolving ambivalence

Overview: This exercise is especially helpful in clarifying the role of the counselor in influencing the person=s level of readiness for change.

Guidelines: In groups of six, discuss for about 20 minutes. The client role is to discuss an issue on which he or she is ambivalent or undecided; e.g., whether to stay in a present job. Four protagonists are assigned particular roles, and each takes 3-5 minutes to be a counselor with the client. Once one has counseled for the prescribed length of time, the next counselor takes over. The client and audience may or may not be told what the counselor roles are. The surprise factor can be engaging if the counselor roles are not revealed.

Counselor #1 argues for one side of the ambivalence
Counselor #2 argues for the other side of the ambivalence
Counselor #3 communicates disinterest: "I really don=t care what you do."
Counselor #4 shows interest in how the person is going to work this out: "I want to understand how you see it. This is your choice, and I'd like to understand your reasoning."

Notes: It can be particularly useful to assign observers to track various aspects of the four interactions.

Thanks to: Jeff Allison and Tom Barth