Round Robin

'''Abstract''': Trainees practice skills in group format by taking turns responding to a client.

'''Overview''': Trainees practice skills in a group format with low-performance demands and observational opportunities. Trainees are split into groups of about 8-9 people. One participant is asked to play a client. The remainder of the participants become a single Counselor. The client begins by making a statement and the first “Counselor” responds. The client replies, and then the next Counselor (going around the circle) responds. This format continues around the group the issue is resolved or out of steam. If allotted time remains, another person may take the role of a client.

'''Guidelines''': Give clear instructions before people break up into circles. Establish a client role in advance. Explain that each “Counselor” is to maintain continuity with the process, rather taking on the role of a new counselor. Point out that participants cannot plan ahead what they will say, because it should be determined by the prior counselor’s response and the client’s immediate reply to it. Clarify that no counselor may respond twice in a row. When the client speaks, it’s on to the next counselor.

'''Example''':
Start with a client who seems to be ready to transition from Phase 1 to Phase 2. The first counselor provides a recapitulation and asks an open question, to which the client responds. Then the counselor to that person’s left offers the next response, and so on.

'''Notes''': A learning advantage of this exercise is that it slows down the process, and helps participants focus on its continuity. Participants cannot “plan ahead” what to say, because it depends on what happens in the turn immediately preceding. This can work well when there is a particular sequence of tasks to be accomplished, as in the transition into and through Phase 2.
This exercise needs to be monitored closely as it can run out of steam quickly. If things don’t move well, whisper a suggestion into the next counselor’s ear just before their turn. You can also switch clients. Remind trainees this is not the full package, just a chance to practice and observe specific skills.

Thanks to: Paul Delaney for the original idea that led to this exercise.
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'''Variation #1 on Round Robin: Forethought'''
Before each counselor speaks to the client, the counselor explains to the trainer the plan - the strategy behind what he or she is about to say, the intent, the direction in which he or she is going, etc. In other words, before you say the words, explain your rationale for saying them.
Client: Well, for one thing, I hope I would feel better about myself if I quit smoking.
Counselor 1 (to trainer): I guess I would want to know how, in what way, she might feel better.
Trainer (to counselor): OK, and why would you do that?
Counselor 2 (to trainer): I heard change talk there – “I would feel better about myself,” – and I would like to hear some elaboration, to get more change talk on this theme.
Trainer (to counselor): OK, try it.
Counselor 1 (to client): In what way might you feel better about yourself?
Client: I guess I’d feel like I accomplished something.
Counselor 2 (to trainer): I think I’d just simply reflect.
Trainer (to counselor): What are you thinking - why reflect?
Counselor 2 (to trainer): To reinforce the change talk, and also understand it better.
Trainer: OK.
Counselor 2 (to client): Quitting smoking would be a real accomplishment for you.
Client: Yes. I would feel more in control of myself.
Counselor 3 (to client): Do you like feeling in control?
Trainer (to Counselor 3): Remember, before you talk to the client, tell me what you’re thinking. What’s behind the question?
Counselor 3 (to trainer): Oh, sorry. I’m just curious if she’s a control freak.
Trainer (to Counselor 3): And where are you going with this in terms of MI. How is this related to MI?
Counselor 3 (to trainer): Maybe it’s not. I was just thinking she might be too worried about control.
Trainer (to Counselor 3): How could you turn your question into a reflection?
Counselor 3 (to trainer): Do you like feeling in control? Oh, I see. “You like feeling in control.”
Trainer (to Counselor 3): Great. Do it.
Counselor 3 (to client): You like feeling in control.

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'''Variation #2 on Round Robin: Recovery'''
Have one “counselor” (it could be you, the trainer) who, whenever his or her turn comes, provides an MI-inconsistent “blooper.” The client responds, and then the next counselor’s task is to recover from the blooper. This provides practice in recovering from little mistakes, and adds some fun to the exercise.