MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered counseling approach aimed at eliciting behavior change by helping individuals explore and resolve ambivalence. It was developed by psychologists William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick in the early 1980s and has since been widely used in various fields such as healthcare, addiction treatment, mental health, and counseling.
The key principles of motivational interviewing include*:
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Express Empathy: The therapist or counselor strives to understand the client's perspective and empathize with their experiences without judgment or criticism.
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Develop Discrepancy: MI involves helping clients recognize the discrepancy between their current behavior and their broader goals, values, or aspirations. This dissonance serves as a motivator for change.
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Avoid Argumentation: Rather than engaging in confrontational or argumentative interactions, MI emphasizes collaboration and cooperation between the client and the counselor. The goal is to create a supportive, non-adversarial environment.
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Roll with Resistance: Instead of confronting resistance head-on, MI practitioners learn to 'roll with' it, acknowledging the client's perspective while gently guiding them toward considering change.
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Support Self-Efficacy: MI aims to bolster the client's confidence in their ability to change by highlighting their strengths, past successes, and internal resources.
Motivational interviewing techniques typically involve open-ended questions, reflective listening, affirmations, and summarizing. By fostering a collaborative and non-judgmental atmosphere, MI helps individuals explore their ambivalence about change, resolve their concerns, and ultimately move toward behavior change that aligns with their values and goals.
* Disclaimer:
Each provider may employ their own unique techniques, and variations to modalities may exist within the field of mental health treatment. The information provided here serves as an example only and should not be construed as a guarantee or promise of treatment outcomes. Individual experiences may vary, and it is advisable to consult with a qualified professional to determine the most appropriate course of action for your specific needs.