Motivational interviewing is a therapy technique I use that aims to help clients find the motivation within themselves to make positive changes in their lives. The approach was developed by psychologists William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick in the 1980s and has since gained widespread recognition for its effectiveness. Motivational interviewing techniques fit my integrative therapy practice well, particularly because they share much in common with my humanistic therapy methods. Motivational interviewing stages of change provide a powerful and effective framework for lifelong improvements.
I commonly use motivational interviewing in my specialties, including sports psychology and executive coaching, and I also integrate it into individual therapy and couples therapy approaches. Of course, you can contact me anytime to discuss how motivational interviewing might help you, but first, I wanted to provide this overview.
Key principles of Motivational Interviewing
Most practitioners and I follow the five main tenets of motivational interviewing. If you have read my blog or other parts of this website, you will see how closely MI tracks the humanistic approach underlying my integrated practice.
1. Express Motivational Empathy
I work hard to understand the client’s perspective, showing empathy and acceptance. This creates a supportive environment where you feel understood, not judged, and respected. I want to understand your world from your perspective, and I respect how you see it nonjudgmentally. When I work with couples, this includes understanding the uniqueness of your relationship.
2. Develop Discrepancy In Motivational Interviewing
I help clients explore the discrepancies between their current behavior and goals or values. By highlighting this disconnect, each client is motivated to make changes to align their behavior with their aspirations. Again, it is not societal expectations we align with but your expectations of yourself. This process is not done in a negative or judgemental manner – it is not about the “problems” that are causing you not to live the life you envision, but rather the hurdles you can overcome to get there.
3. Motivational Interviewing Avoids Conflict
While some therapy methods confront defensiveness, in motivational interviewing, I avoid arguments and resistance by adopting a collaborative and non-confrontational approach. This involves listening actively, respecting the client’s autonomy, and avoiding the urge to persuade or coerce. You may find that you are in conflict with yourself, and this is okay with an MI approach, but you will not feel that you are in conflict with me. We’ll always be working together.
4. Rolling with Resistance
Rather than opposing resistance directly, I acknowledge it and gently encourage you to explore it further. By avoiding power struggles and fostering a sense of autonomy, I hope to move the client towards change at their own pace. This also differs from other approaches that confront resistance or see it as a negative. I find that resistance is merely data, telling us that there is something you are pushing against, and that thing may be worth uncovering to see what it is causing.
5. Motivational Interviewing Supports Self-Efficacy
I help client builds confidence in their ability to change by highlighting their past successes, strengths, and resources. This empowers the client to take responsibility for their actions and believes in their capacity to overcome obstacles. We may peer into the past not just to find what has gone wrong, but also times when you felt you were living your life to its fullest and feeling most content.
Motivational Interviewing Techniques
Motivational interviewing techniques I use include the following:
- Open-ended questions: Instead of asking yes/no questions, I often ask open-ended questions, encouraging you to elaborate on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This allows for a deeper exploration of your motivations and goals.
- Reflective listening: I listen actively and reflect on what you say, using empathy and understanding. Reflective listening helps you feel heard and validated and encourages you to explore your motivations and concerns.
- Affirmations: Affirmations recognize your strengths, efforts, and past successes. By affirming these positive qualities and achievements, I hope to boost your self-esteem and confidence in your ability to change.
- Summarizing: Periodically summarizing what you’ve said in that session and previously can help you clarify your thoughts and feelings and reinforce key points. Summarizing also demonstrates that I am actively listening and understand your perspective.
- Eliciting change talk: Change talk refers to your statements that indicate a willingness, ability, reasons, and need for change.
These motivational interviewing techniques are used flexibly and, in combination, tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. The overarching goal is to facilitate collaborative and non-confrontational conversations so you can explore your motivations for change and develop your solutions. These techniques are designed to elicit your reasons for change rather than imposing anyone else’s agenda.
Motivational Interviewing Stages of Change
Motivational Interviewing is often used in conjunction with the Stages of Change model, also known as the Transtheoretical Model, which outlines the process people go through when they are thinking about, starting, and maintaining new behaviors.
Here are the stages of change and how they relate to the motivational interviewing techniques I use in my practice
Motivational Interviewing Stages of Change: Precontemplation
In this first of the motivational interviewing stages of change, clients start when they have not considered the change. They may be unaware of the problem or underestimating the need for change. The Motivational interviewing strategies I use are designed to raise awareness of the issue, provide information, and explore the client’s values and goals. I use reflective listening to highlight discrepancies between their current behavior and broader goals.
Motivational Interviewing Stages of Change: Contemplation
Now, clients recognize the problem and start to think about the possibility of changing. They are ambivalent and may weigh the pros and cons of change. I work to explore ambivalence, discuss the pros and cons of change, and support the client in envisioning a positive future with change. I use decisional balance exercises to help clarify their thoughts.
Motivational Interviewing Stages of Change: Preparation
At this stage, clients intend to take action soon and may start making small changes. They are planning to change and gather resources. My job is to assist them in developing a clear and achievable action plan. I work with them to enhance their commitment to change by setting realistic goals and identifying supportive resources. All the while, I provide encouragement and support.
Motivational Interviewing Stages of Change: Action
At this point in therapy, clients modify their behavior and make significant efforts to change actively. I continue to offer support and encouragement, reinforcing the importance of the behavior change and helping them problem-solve any challenges. I work to acknowledge successes and provide feedback.
Motivational Interviewing Stages of Change: Maintenence
After a little more time, clients have sustained their positive changes and are working to prevent relapse. I support continued commitment and discuss ways to handle potential triggers. I also help the client integrate the new behavior into their identity and lifestyle.
During the Motivational Interviewing stages of change, my role is to support and guide the client through these stages by fostering an environment of empathy, collaboration, and empowerment. The ultimate goal is to help clients move from one stage to the next at their own pace, increasing their motivation and commitment to change.
Summary and My Work
I use motivational interviewing techniques in conjunction with other therapeutic approaches and found it quite effective in helping clients address a wide range of issues, from depression to weight management to anxieties. I use these techniques in my specialty areas, particularly sports psychology and executive coaching.
What Do I Use Motivational Interviewing Techniques For
Motivational interviewing is used for various purposes in my practice, including:
- Behavior Change: Motivational interviewing is often utilized to facilitate behavior change in areas such as substance abuse, unhealthy eating habits, physical inactivity, smoking cessation, and more. It helps clients explore their motivations for change and resolve any conflicting feelings they may have about it. Motivational interviewing brings out the healthy side of you, the part of you that truly wants to change.
- Substance Abuse Treatment:** Motivational interviewing is particularly effective in the treatment of addiction. It helps individuals examine their reasons for substance use, consider the impact of their behavior on their lives, and increase their motivation to engage in treatment and recovery. I have used motivational interviewing with a wide variety of people who want to change their relationships with substances.
- Health and Wellness: Motivational interviewing can encourage clients to adopt healthier lifestyle behaviors, such as exercising regularly, improving diet, managing chronic conditions, and adhering to medical treatment plans. It is a perfect adjunct to other therapies and programs designed to work on the physical aspects of these issues.
- Mental Health: I commonly use motivational interviewing techniques in traditional mental health treatment to enhance motivation for therapy and engagement in therapeutic activities.
MI for Those Who Are Hesitant
Many individuals struggling with mental health issues may feel ambivalent or resistant to seeking treatment. MI helps us collaborate about your concerns, goals, and values, thereby increasing motivation. Suppose you are reading this post or this website with a skeptical eye, have had a lack of success in therapy before, or are looking to refer someone hesitant. In that case, motivational interviewing techniques may increase openness and, eventually, excitement about treatment prospects.
Overall, motivational interviewing is a client-centered, collaborative approach that respects an individual’s autonomy and helps them find their own intrinsic motivation for change rather than imposing external pressure or directives. It’s a versatile method that can be adapted to various contexts and to promote positive behavior change. That is why it has become a central part of my practice.
I would be happy to speak to you about an integrated therapy approach that includes motivational interviewing, which may be a good fit for you. Contact me anytime.
