Motivational Interviewing

Relationship-based

Practice

Definition

• “Motivational interviewing is a person-centered, goal oriented method of communication for eliciting and strengthening intrinsic motivation for positive change.”

• (Miller, 2009)

Premise

• Facilitate and engage intrinsic motivation with client in order to change behavior

• Collaborative, goal oriented• Attention to language of change• Atmosphere of acceptance and compassion

Stages of Change

• Pre-contemplation• Contemplation• Preparation• Action• Maintenance• Possible relapse

Four Principles• Roll with resistance• Express empathy; reflective listening – person

centered skills• Develop discrepancy• Support self efficacy - affirmations

By listening to person; understanding motivation; resisting the reflex to fix; and empowering the person

Emphasis in Therapy

• Empathy – seeking to understand the nature of client’s challenges and problems

• Guide, evoke ideas to let people come up with the changes

• Making sure person understands goals and goals align with core values

• Summarizing – linking materials and reflecting back

Therapist

• Collaborative – respect client’s expertise• Evocative – drawing out ideas and solutions

from client as the experts about themselves• Honor autonomy – decision making left to

client

Evocative Questions

For what are you motivated?

What changes do you want most?

On a scale of 1-10 how important is it to you to change?

What are your most important reasons for changing?

What are the benefits of changing?

How will you do it?

In what ways are you already able to make the changes you want to make

Costs – Benefits to ChangeChange Status Quo

Benefits Benefits of changing Benefits of not changing

Costs Consequence of changing Consequence of not changing

Signs of Readiness for Change

• Decreased resistance• Decreased discussion about the problem• Resolve• Change talk/self-motivational statements• Questions about change• Envisioning• Experimenting