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Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a treatment method for different problem areas. It helps increase clients' motivation to change. Here, we look at what MI means and how it can help.
What is motivational interviewing?
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a counselling method used to treat various conditions. It is a client-centred, direct approach to enhancing intrinsic motivation and commitment to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence about changes and decisions. MI is often part of a treatment plan for various problems and lifestyle changes.
What is Motivational Interviewing?
Motivational Interviewing is a therapeutic technique that focuses on increasing individuals’ intrinsic motivation and commitment to change. The therapist works empathetically and respectfully to understand the client’s perspective. The therapist encourages the client to explore and manage ambivalence as a normal part of the change process while reinforcing the client’s sense of self-determination. Read more below.
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Through a directive style, the therapist helps the client explore and resolve inner decision-making anxiety without imposing the therapist’s own views or solutions. The therapist focuses on active listening, reflection, and encouragement.
It encourages a language of change where the client expresses openness to change, making motivational interviewing a flexible and adaptable valuable method in various fields such as substance abuse and addiction treatment and for other behavioural changes such as health-related lifestyle changes.
What can Motivational Interviewing help with?
Motivational Interviewing is a standard method in the treatment of addictions, especially alcohol, drugs and tobacco. It can also help promote behaviours such as weight loss and increased physical activity. It also supports medical adherence for chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
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Motivational Interviewing can also help treat mild to moderate depression and anxiety. It can improve communication skills and the management of relationship problems. It can help young people discuss risk behaviours and lifestyle choices and support individuals in career and education-related decisions and changes. Thus, it is flexible and adaptable to a range of problem areas.
At Lavendla, we have therapists and psychologists with experience in motivational interviewing. Feel free to book a first session with one of our staff today.
Pros and cons of Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is client-centred, effective in addressing ambivalence about change, flexible for behavioural changes, and usually short-term, cost-effective. The method strengthens the client’s belief in their abilities while building a solid therapeutic relationship. Still, it may be less effective for people who lack motivation or are unprepared for change.
It requires the skill and experience of the therapist which can be challenging, it is not always sufficient for severe mental health conditions and may require combining MI with other treatment methods. Before starting treatment, a thorough assessment is always needed to see which intervention might be most helpful.
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Motivational Interviewing for addiction
Motivational interviewing is effective in treating addiction as it helps individuals deal with ambivalence about changing their behaviour, strengthens their intrinsic motivation, improves self-confidence, supports the development of personal change plans and reduces the risk of relapse. It is often used as a complement to other forms of treatment, such as behavioural therapy. It is beneficial in the early stages of addiction treatment, where individuals may be unsure about making a change. Its non-confrontational and supportive nature makes it an attractive method for many people struggling with substance abuse problems, and it is, therefore, often used in addiction treatment.
Motivational Interviewing for ADHD and autism
Motivational interviewing can be helpful for people with ADHD and autism by improving initiative, managing procrastination and distraction in ADHD and supporting the development of social and communication skills in autism. The approach also helps understand and manage behaviours and enhances self-awareness and confidence for both conditions. Still, the approach may need to be adapted for practical use and is often most beneficial when combined with other treatment strategies such as behavioural therapy and medication.
11 FAQs about Motivational Interviewing
What is motivational interviewing?
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a counselling method that can treat various conditions to increase motivation for change.
How does Motivational Interviewing work?
The therapist encourages the client to explore and manage ambivalence as a normal part of the change process while reinforcing the client’s sense of empowerment.
What can be treated with motivational interviewing?
Motivational interviewing is a flexible and adaptable valuable method in various fields, such as substance abuse and addiction treatment, and for other behavioural changes, such as health-related lifestyle changes.
How long does Motivational Interviewing take?
Treatment time depends on the problem and the individual’s needs, ranging from a few sessions to a more extended treatment.
What methods and techniques are used in motivational interviewing?
Motivational Interviewing focuses on active listening and reflection and encouraging change on the client’s terms.
What is the basis of motivational interviewing?
Motivational Interviewing aims to increase an individual’s motivation to change through an empathic, non-confrontational, and client-centred communication style.
Can Motivational Interviewing be done online?
It is possible to receive treatment digitally via video. Please book a first appointment with one of our therapists.
Are there any disadvantages to Motivational Interviewing?
Motivational Interviewing can support a change process, but other methods may be more effective for specific conditions.
I have difficulty making a decision. Can Motivational Interviewing help?
Motivational Interviewing is designed to support different types of change and help people in various situations. So it can be helpful.
What is a Motivational Interviewing therapist?
A Motivational Interviewing therapist is a person who is further trained in the method and uses it in therapy.
Where can I go if I need help?
At Lavendla, we have experienced psychologists and therapists who work with motivational interviewing and can help you feel better.
What does a motivational interviewing treatment involve?
Motivational Interviewing (MI) therapy involves a communication style and process to strengthen a person’s motivation and commitment to change. Here is an overview of what a typical motivational interviewing session might look like:
- Create an open atmosphere: Treatment begins with the therapist creating a welcoming and non-judgmental atmosphere where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and feelings.
- Developing rapport: The therapist aims to build a good relationship with the client based on respect, understanding and empathy where the client can share.
- Active listening: Active listening is an essential part of motivational interviewing. The therapist listens carefully to the client’s expression and reflects on what is said to deepen understanding.
- Exploring ambivalence: Many clients have mixed feelings about change. The therapist helps the client to explore this ambivalence without pushing or arguing for a specific change.
- Identifying and strengthening motivation for change: During the conversation, the therapist helps clients identify their reasons and motivations for change. This may include exploring personal values, goals, and desires.
- Promoting change language: The therapist focuses on and reinforces the client’s expression of desire, ability, reasons and need for change, called ‘change language’.
- Planning for change: When the client is ready, the therapist helps them develop a concrete plan to implement the changes they want. This may include setting goals, identifying strategies, and planning for possible obstacles.
- Supporting continued change: The therapist encourages the client’s belief in their ability to make changes and helps them deal with obstacles and setbacks.
This process is flexible and can be adapted to the individual’s unique needs and circumstances. The goal is to help people find and strengthen their motivation for change.
