In the SDT intervention, the therapists were oriented toward
taking the patients’ internal frame of reference by attempting to
understand and relate to the patients’ perspectives through listening
and reflecting. They also actively encouraged patients to reflect
upon what they did and did not like about smoking, and how
continuing to smoke or stopping might fit with their values and
needs. Throughout, therapists remained neutral or equidistant, not
endorsing either option or pressuring clients toward cessation. Yet,
if patients made a choice to quit, the therapists then worked with
them to develop specific competencies for dealing with withdrawal
and avoiding relapse, all the time respecting the patients’ autonomy.