Motivational Interviewing - Good Example - Alan Lyme

Summary

In the provided transcript, Alan Lime, a social worker, meets with Miss Clark to address her increasing stress and anxiety, which she has been coping with through alcohol. Dr. Seal referred her to Lime due to concerns about her alcohol consumption. The conversation reveals that Miss Clark's drinking may be contributing to her stress levels and potential health risks. Lime discusses the potential for drug interactions and the importance of finding alternative stress management strategies. Miss Clark expresses readiness to cut back on alcohol and is open to behavioral health support, showing commitment to change for the sake of her well-being and responsibilities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Alan Lime is a social worker at the Family Health Center and is meeting with Miss Clark to discuss her stress and anxiety issues.
• 🍷 Miss Clark has been seeing Dr. Seal due to increasing stress and anxiety, and she mentions that her alcohol consumption has been increasing.
• 🏥 Dr. Seal is concerned about Miss Clark's alcohol consumption and its potential impact on her stress levels, hence the referral to Alan Lime.
• 📝 Miss Clark fills out a form indicating her alcohol consumption, which shows she is in an 'at risk' zone based on the scale provided.
• 🚫 The standard drink size is discussed, and it is suggested that Miss Clark might be drinking more than she initially reported.
• 🚶‍♀️ Miss Clark has previously used exercise to manage stress, but her current schedule makes it difficult to fit in.
• 💰 Miss Clark acknowledges that her increased alcohol consumption is adding to her financial stress, which is counterproductive.
• 🤔 Alan Lime explores Miss Clark's motivations for drinking and her willingness to consider changes, finding that she is quite motivated to address her drinking habits.
• 💊 Miss Clark is open to the possibility of reducing or stopping her alcohol consumption if it means she can receive medication for her anxiety from Dr. Seal.
• 🏋️‍♀️ Alan Lime suggests that Miss Clark could benefit from talking to a Behavioral Health Specialist and offers to set up an appointment for her.
• 📚 Alan Lime provides Miss Clark with information on alcohol and its interaction with medications, which could be crucial for her decision-making.

Q & A

Why was Alan Lime referred to Miss Clark by Dr. Seal?

Alan Lime was referred to Miss Clark by Dr. Seal due to increasing stress and anxiety that was affecting his life, and a concern that his alcohol consumption might be contributing to the problem.

What is the initial concern that Dr. Seal has regarding Alan's alcohol consumption?

Dr. Seal is concerned that Alan's alcohol consumption may be increasing as a response to stress, which could potentially lead to health issues and complicate any treatment he might prescribe.

What is the significance of the 'pink sheet' that Alan filled out?

The 'pink sheet' is a form that Alan filled out to assess his alcohol consumption. It helps Miss Clark understand the frequency and quantity of his drinking, which is part of the evaluation process for potential health risks.

What does the scale on the 'pink sheet' measure and what does Alan's score indicate?

The scale on the 'pink sheet' measures the risk associated with alcohol consumption, ranging from 0 to 40. Alan's score of six places him in an 'at risk' zone, which is not high risk but could potentially lead to increased stress and health issues.

What is the standard drink size that Miss Clark refers to and how does it compare to Alan's usual consumption?

The standard drink size Miss Clark refers to is typically less than what Alan fills his glass with, indicating that he might be consuming more alcohol than he realizes, which could affect his health and stress levels.

What are the recommended limits for alcohol consumption for healthy women Alan's age according to Miss Clark?

For healthy women Alan's age, it is recommended to have no more than three drinks in one setting and no more than seven drinks in one week to be considered lower or no risk.

What are some of the negative effects of Alan's current drinking habits mentioned in the script?

The negative effects of Alan's drinking habits include increased financial burden due to his preference for expensive wine, waking up feeling unwell after drinking more than he should, and the potential for increased stress rather than reduced stress.

What does Alan consider as the positive aspects of drinking alcohol for him?

Alan considers the taste of good wine and its temporary stress-relieving effects as the positive aspects of drinking alcohol.

What alternatives to alcohol does Alan consider to help manage his stress?

Alan has considered exercise as an alternative to help manage his stress, but he acknowledges that his current schedule makes it difficult to fit in regular physical activity.

What is Alan's level of confidence in his ability to change his drinking habits?

Alan expresses a high level of confidence, rating it a seven or eight out of ten, in his ability to change his drinking habits if it means reducing his stress and improving his overall health.

What is the potential next step for Alan in terms of seeking help for his stress and alcohol consumption?

The potential next step for Alan is to talk to a Behavioral Health Specialist, who may be able to help him explore ways to manage his stress and consider changes to his drinking habits.