Motivational interviewing

Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based practice that is used to help people make meaningful changes in their lives. It focuses on listening and responding to a person’s individual needs and goals, rather than telling them what to do. Through this process, the person can explore their own thoughts, feelings, and values while working towards change.

Motivational interviewing is based on four key concepts: expressing empathy, developing discrepancy, rolling with resistance, and supporting self-efficacy. Expressing empathy involves understanding the client’s perspective and feelings and helping them feel heard. Developing discrepancy helps the client recognize the difference between their current behavior and their desired future behavior. Rolling with resistance involves exploring a person’s ambivalence about change without trying to coerce them into it. And supporting self-efficacy helps the client find their inner resources for success in the change process.

The overall goal of motivational interviewing is to create a partnership between therapist and client in which they collaborate to solve problems while respecting autonomy. This approach has proven effective in helping people overcome addiction, improve mental health outcomes, as well as increase adherence to medical treatments such as diabetes management programs.

If you or someone you know is struggling with making a meaningful life change, consider seeking out a professional trained in motivational interviewing for support!