The PMHNP is seeing a 34-year-old male client who recently decided to stop smoking marijuana after smoking it for 15 years. He is having trouble abstaining from marijuana, even though his wife has threatened to divorce him if he continues to smoke. Using the principles of motivational interviewing, which of the following would be the most appropriate response from the PMHNP to enhance his motivation to change?

Choice A reason: This response reflects a core principle of motivational interviewing—expressing empathy and highlighting ambivalence. It validates the client’s conflicting feelings and opens the door for deeper exploration of values and goals, which can enhance motivation for change. Choice B reason: This response is confrontational and may provoke defensiveness. Motivational interviewing avoids judgment and instead fosters collaboration and self-reflection. Choice C reason: This statement is shaming and accusatory. It undermines the supportive tone of motivational interviewing and may damage rapport, reducing the likelihood of behavior change. Choice D reason: While honesty is important, this directive approach lacks the client-centered spirit of motivational interviewing. It imposes a solution rather than guiding the client to discover their own motivation.