''All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; 

we must die to one life before we can enter another.'' 

~ Anatole France 

 

 

What Is Motivational Interviewing?

 

Motivational interviewing is a counseling approach designed to help people find the motivation to make a positive behavior change. This client-centered approach is particularly effective for people who have mixed feelings about changing their behavior.

 

It's possible to experience to have conflicting desires, such as wanting to change your behavior, but also thinking that you're not ready to change your behavior. The motivational interviewing approach holds that resolving this ambivalence can increase a person's motivation to change.

 

Originally developed by William Miller and Stephen Rollnick to treat alcohol addiction, motivational interviewing is unique in the way it empowers people to take responsibility for their own recovery.

 

 

The Spirit of Motivational Interviewing:

 

Motivational interviewing should always be implemented with a particular "spirit." According to Miller and Rollnick, the "spirit" is collaborative, evocative, and honors client autonomy. In order for motivational interviewing to be effective, the therapist must maintain this overall "spirit."

Collaboration Instead of Confrontation. Collaboration is a partnership formed between the counselor and the client. In motivational interviewing, this relationship is based on the point of view and experiences of the client. 

 

This approach contrasts with some other therapeutic approaches, specifically those in which the counselor is confrontational and imposes their own point of view about their client's behavior.

 

Collaboration builds rapport between the therapist and the client. It allows the client to develop a trusting relationship with their counselor, something that is difficult to do in a more confrontational environment.

 

 

Evocation Rather Than Education

 

The notion of the counselor drawing out a client's ideas rather than imposing their own opinions is based on the belief that motivation to change comes from within. As such, it cannot come from the counselor.

 

No matter how much the counselor might want a person to change their behavior, it will only happen if the individual also wants to change. So, it is the counselor's job to "draw out" their client's true motivations for this change. Once these motivators are identified, the client can use them to make the recovery process easier or to help them keep going when they want to give up.

 

 

Autonomy Over Authority

 

Unlike treatment models that emphasize the counselor as an authority figure, motivational interviewing recognizes that the true power for making changes rests within the client. The counselor cannot demand this change. Put another way, it is up to the client to take the actions necessary to change their behavior. They must put in the work. This is self-empowering to the individual, but also gives them personal responsibility over their actions.

 

 

Principles Behind Motivational Interviewing

 

Although each person's journey is different, counselors who use motivational interviewing hold true to four principles throughout the recovery process. These principles are vital to establishing trust within the therapeutic relationship.

 

 

Express Empathy

 

People may initially be reluctant to go to therapy for fear of being judged by their therapist. Some may even feel guilty about their negative behavior, making that judgment valid in their eyes. But judgment is not what motivational interviewing is about.

 

Instead of judging, counselors focus on understanding the situation from their client's point of view. This is known as empathy.

 

A counselor doesn't have to agree with their client to show empathy. Empathy is about surrendering your own opinions in order to understand someone else. This practice creates a safe space where clients feel comfortable being themselves and sharing their concerns.

 

 

Develop Discrepancy

 

Developing discrepancy is based on the belief that a person becomes more motivated to change once they see the mismatch between where they are and where they want to be.

 

It is a counselor's job to help clients identify their core values and clarify their personal goals. Goals and actions are developed in a trusting, collaborative atmosphere free from pressure. This offers an environment that is based on the person's needs, wishes, goals, values, and strengths.

 

 

Roll With Resistance

 

Motivational interviewing understands that change doesn't always happen just because you want it. It's natural to change your mind many times about whether you want to change your behavior and what that process or new lifestyle looks like.

 

Rather than challenging, opposing, or criticizing clients, it's a counselor's job to help them reach a new understanding of themselves and their behaviors. One way they do this is by reframing or offering different interpretations of certain situations. This changing viewpoint increases the person's motivation to change. It is based on their own goals and values.

 

For example, if a client reveals that they started drinking to cope with a partner's infidelity, the counselor might help them reframe the situation. Instead of the client blaming themselves, they may begin to see that the person cheated because of their own issues.

 

 

Support Self-Efficacy

 

Self-efficacy is a person's belief or confidence in their ability to perform a target behavior. A counselor following the motivational interviewing approach supports their client's self-efficacy by reinforcing their power to make the changes they want. They guide them through the behavior change process, recognize the positive changes clients make, and offer encouragement along the way.

 

In the beginning, the therapist may have more confidence in the individual than they have in themselves, but this can change with ongoing support. Soon, the client starts to recognize their strengths and ability to change their behavior for the better.