AOD COUNSELOR 2026 PRACTICE GUIDE MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING AND CLIENT ENGAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

AOD COUNSELOR 2026 PRACTICE GUIDE
MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING AND
CLIENT ENGAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

◉ Gorski's Developmental Model of Recovery
Answer: Six stages including transition, stabilization, early recovery,
middle recovery, late recovery and maintenance


◉ Continuing Care Plan
Answer: A written, individual outline of how the client will continue
to receive support and services necessary to maintain recovery


◉ Immediacy
Answer: One of the five key traits of effective counselors, this trait
involves staying focused on the issue at hand, attending to what is
important to the client and being able to adjust easily to changing
topics


◉ Genuineness
Answer: One of the five key traits of effective counselors, this trait
involves having a strong interest in helping others, being yourself,
showing external behavior that is congruent with internal feelings

, ◉ Warmth
Answer: One of the five key traits of effective counselors, this trait
involves empathy, understanding, acceptance and less confrontation


◉ Personal Ability
Answer: One of the five key traits of effective counselors, this trait
involves having sound psychological health, a high level of
competence and a sense of self-awareness


◉ Positive Regard/Respect
Answer: One of the five key traits of effective counselors, this trait
involves suspending judgment, being open-minded and objective,
showing sensitivity and being trustworthy


◉ Clarification
Answer: The purpose of this counseling technique is to ensure
accuracy and understanding - "Are you saying...?" "Please explain..."


◉ Paraphrasing
Answer: The purpose of this counseling technique is to listen for
content and affect, to let the client know you understand what he is
communicating and restating the client's primary words and
emotions