ABSTRACT
Some understanding about motivation and some strategies and techniques to help individuals become self-motivated when they become 'stuck' or are resistant to change are essential, both in controlling stress experienced by staff and for empowering service users. Service users are frequently stuck in a motivational 'bog' or 'quicksand' that threatens to engulf them. It may seem logical that particular services or activities are valuable to the service user. These are explained and offered. After some discussion of what is available, agreement is reached that it would be beneficial for the person to take part in them. The individual is then expected to be motivated to take part in what has been decided. This common approach can work well as long as the person wants to collaborate and what is provided will meet their needs. Throughout the process of motivating someone, the importance of the service user maintaining control is emphasised.
