Persis has been clean for 9 months and comes in to see her case manager about how she is really tempted to use again. Persis asks if there is something more she can do. The worker says, “Oh, come on. It’s been 9 months. Get down to business and focus on the good things in your life. It’s all up to you whether you use or not.” Can Persis continue to explore her temptation to go back on drugs with this worker?

Enhanced Blocked

Above are various scenarios illustrating workers’ responses in a variety of situations. Examine the responses in each case and decide whether the worker is blocking communication or enhancing it. Do the worker’s responses cut off further communication from the other person or seem to encourage the person to continue? Circle your answer after each vignette.