III. Deportment: Interview Skills

Amplified Reflections

This type of reflection magnifies offenders' statements to see whether it can withstand closer scrutiny. An amplified reflection can show the holes in a statement by pointing out the opposite extreme. If an offender says, "I can stop using drugs while on supervision," staff might respond by saying, "Okay great, so you are telling me that you will not have any problems with not using drugs at least while you are on supervision. So, you will NEVER test positive at all." The offender may then respond, "Well, maybe not never, but I'll try my best." This exchange shows how an unrealistic or dismissive statement by an offender can be turned around to increase offender motivation.

Using these three types of reflections will reduce the level of defensiveness and the accompanying resistance in conversations with offenders. Staff should continually practice these techniques to ensure that they apply them correctly.