Motivational interviewing is a collaborative process between a therapist and a client that is focused on forming goals and stressing the language of change. The main purpose is to strengthen personal motivation and commitment to achieving a certain goal by exploring an individual's reasons for change within an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion (Miller & Rollnick, 2013, p.29).
What are the qualities of motivational interviewing?
- A guiding style of communication that contains qualities of both listening and directing (information and advice)
- Strives to provide personal empowerment for individuals by understanding their own capacity and desire for change
- Honors client's autonomy
When is motivational interviewing helpful for people?
- Individuals may be stuck in mixed feelings about their desire to change or how they want to change; may be ambivalent
- Individuals may have low confidence or doubt their capacity to make changes in their lives
- Desire for change may be low or are uncertain that they even want to change in the first place
What are the core elements of motivational interviewing?
- Partnership --- collaborative process in which people are the experts of their own lives
- Evocation --- people carry with them the resources and skills needed for change: what are the person's priorities and values?
- Acceptance --- nonjudgmental space where empathy is expressed, strengths are highlighted, and an individual's right to make informed choices about changing/not changing are respected
- Compassion --- promote and prioritize clients' welfare and wellbeing in a selfless manner
What are the benefits of MI over other approaches to helping conversations?
- This type of interviewing can be used in a diverse range of settings, populations, and languages
- Similar to other evidence-based practices in research studies
- The basic principles are intuitive or "common sense" appeal and core elements can be readily
Here at Madrigal, we are committed to using motivational interviewing to help you reach your best potential.
*This information was adapted from Motivational Interviewing.Org. Click here to learn more information.*