Motivational Interviewing
What Is Motivational Interviewing?
Motivational Interviewing is a psychotherapeutic approach that helps individuals resolve doubtfulness, insecurities, and indecisiveness by replacing it with motivation to change their behavior. The clinician encourages patients to discuss their need for change and reasons for change. The clinician then reflects on the patient’s reasoning and motivation for change so that the patient can hear the appropriateness of their reasoning. MI is more goal-focused and strives to overcome ambivalence. MI therapy is an established evidence-based therapy in the treatment of those with substance abuse disorders or mental health disorders.
How Motivational Interviewing Works
MI helps individuals who lack the willpower to deal with change. The two sides of MI are to increase and re-establish one’s motivation. Next, one must commit to the change, which has been proven to help people make those changes. Therapists do not force change but instead have individuals accept their thoughts and feelings to motivate self-change.
1. Express Empathy
Listen rather than speak; communicate with respect and acceptance.
2. Avoid Argumentation
Avoid confronting denial; encouragement towards making change.
3. Roll With Resistance
Divert client towards positive change.
4. Develop Discrepancy
Promote awareness of consequences of ongoing use; important goals conflict with behavior.
Support Self-Efficacy
Encourage the client to grow capacity to reach goals; elicit and support hope.
How Can We Help
Medical Disclaimer: Peaks Recovery Centers uses fact-based content about recovery treatment, addiction medicine, and behavioral health conditions to improve the quality of life for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction or mental health disorders. This information is not intended to replace professional medical guidance, diagnosis, care, or treatment. This information should not be used as a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider and/or your physician.