Motivational Interviewing in Psychology

Ursula Bowling, PsyD

The Spirit of Motivational Interviewing

Collaboration› A non-hierarchical partnership› Focus on mutual understanding

Evocation› Supporting client in discovering own

motivation for change Autonomy

› Clients capable of and responsible for making change

› There’s lots of ways to make change

4 Key Principles of MI Express Empathy

› Working to see world as the client sees it Support Self-Efficacy

› A basic belief that people can change. Focus on skills and strengths

› Instilling hope that people can reach goals Roll with Resistance

› Resistance emerges when clients worldview not seen or autonomy threatened

› Avoid the “righting reflex” Develop Discrepancy

› People change when they see the gap between where they are and where they want to be

OARS Skills Open-Ended Questions

› Invite elaboration and thinking Affirmations

› Recognize client strengths Reflections

› Focus on negatives of status quo and positives of change

Summaries› A special, extended reflection

Listening for Change Talk

Preparatory Change Talk (DARN)› Desire (want to)› Ability (can)› Reason (it’s important)› Need (I should change)

Implementing Change Talk (CAN)› Commitment (I will)› Activation (I am ready & prepared)› Taking Steps (I am taking specific steps)

Vignettes

For each vignette, lets consider: › Potential barriers to the spirit and

principles of motivational interviewing› Ideas for overcoming these barriers› Signs of change talk› How you might implement the MI skills

Vignette #1 Susie is a 23 year old single mother

who is referred to you for court ordered therapy by DHS. Her 4 year old daughter is currently in foster care and Susie has just completed one month of inpatient drug and alcohol treatment. In order to regain custody of her daughter, she must complete counseling, submit to random UAs, enroll her daughter in child care and pass regular home visits.

Vignette #2

Fred is a 22 year old student athlete on the honor roll who comes to see you at the counseling center reporting vague complaints of being “out of control” and having panic attacks. After a few sessions, he discloses that he has been using Ritalin he buys from a friend to help with his concentration and maintaining weight for wrestling. He has not told anyone about his substance use.

Vignette #3

Susan is a 69 year old woman who comes to see you in a primary care mental health clinic. Her A1C levels are significantly elevated and medical records indicate she is not refilling her medications on a consistent basis. She reports that she is feeling fatigued and tearful and that the only thing which brings her joy is time with her grandchildren.

Vignette #4

Jason comes to see you regarding his alcohol use. He states that he does not see his drinking as a problem, but that his wife “made him come.” He reports currently drinking 2-3 drinks/night and “partying” more on weekends.

Vignette #5

Richard and Marlene come to see you for family counseling. They report that they need help “fixing” their son Jacob. Jacob is 15 and is frequently breaking curfew and speaking rudely to his parents. They report that they are currently managing this behavior by “giving him the what for.”

Vignette #6

Someone you’d love to change! How could you apply the principles of

motivational interviewing – both in technique and in spirit?

Resources and References

www.motivationalinterview.org