In Motivational Interviewing, what does 'change talk' refer to and why is it important?

• A. A talk that discourages change.
• B. A script used by the counselor to promote change.
• C. Client language indicating desire, ability, reasons, need, and commitment to change; predicts action.
• D. A formal assessment tool.

Answer: (C)

Change talk is the client’s own language about change—expressions of desire, ability, reasons, need, and commitment to change—and it predicts actual action. This is central because Motivational Interviewing aims to evoke and strengthen this motivation, so the client moves from thinking about change toward taking concrete steps. By listening for and reinforcing this language, the counselor helps the client articulate why change matters and how they might proceed, increasing the chances of follow‑through. The other options miss the core idea: change talk isn’t a discouraging statement, it isn’t a counselor script, and it isn’t a formal assessment tool.