Resistance and ambivalence are natural and expected components of the behavior change process and can often surface when individuals feel uncertain, misunderstood, or an external pressure toward change. When intrinsic motivation has not yet developed, effective responses center on acceptance and validation of the individual’s perspective rather than challenging them or being confrontational. Responding to resistance with empathy, rather than judgment, persuasion, or argument, reduces defensiveness, strengthens therapeutic rapport, and increases the likelihood of eliciting change talk.