Motivational interviewing (MI) is a goal-focused, client-centered counseling approach developed, in part, by clinical psychologists William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick. The goal of MI is to help people resolve ambivalent feelings and insecurities and find the motivation they need to change their behavior. Although motivational interviewing was first used for problem drinking and others with substance abuse issues, it has been proven effective for many people struggling with making healthier choices. This therapeutic technique works especially well with those who start off resistive, unmotivated or unprepared for change (and less well on those who are already prepared and motivated to change). Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s motivational interviewing specialists today.
Motivational Interviewing
— Francia Telesford, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Woodland Hills, CAI utilize a motivational approach when I see a client is experiencing self-doubt, low confidence, or depression. By implementing this approach, client's have overcome their low self-worth by reflecting on their positive attributes, pondering their accomplishments, and thinking about their future goals. I also work with my client's in creating a lsit of positive affirmations that they can refer to on a daily basis to improve their own view of themself.
— Brittany Bergersen, Mental Health Counselor in Brooklyn, NYI have attended over 100 hours of training in Motivational Interviewing and led training for other staff on techniques for 2 1/2 years.
— Colleen Steppa, Therapist in Phoenix, AZThis approach is very intuitive for me. It comes down to the relationship built between therapist and client and then weeding out the noise to find what is important, why it's important, and how to move towards achieving the goals.
— Yara Goldstein, Clinical Social Worker in , NYIdentifying our motivations can help us succeed in finding our own success and contentment.
— Katlyn Nolan, Social Worker in Ocala, FLI was an Integrated Behavioral Health Fellow where I was trained in CBT and Motivational Interviewing
— Sumara Baig, Therapist in Chicago, ILMotivational interviewing has been a big tool in my toolkit for many years. As a Veterans Health Administration hospital social worker I utilized MI every day with clients attempting to live a healthier lifestyle and stay out of the hospital. I have studied MI in graduate school and continue to stay up to date with courses offered as a practicing professional.
— Lindsey Blades, Clinical Social Worker in Annapolis, MDMotivational Interviewing is more of a framework to me than a treatment. It helps me work with individuals who may not be ready to make change, as well as those who are ready and/or already making effort to start and/or maintain long-term change. Motivational Interviewing helps me meet you where you are at and helps me better understand where you are coming from and how you may (or may not) want to address the problem right now.
— Jessica Arneson, Counselor in ,Motivational Interviewing is a flexible and client-centered approach that can be integrated into various therapeutic modalities and settings. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to empower individuals to make their own decisions and take ownership of their change process, leading to more sustainable and positive outcomes.
— Armenta Acevedo, Licensed Clinical Mental Health CounselorExtensive MI training
— Amy Leary, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Charlotte, NCMotivational interviewing is a tool that we all can use in our daily lives. The primary principles of this technique is to use open ended questions in order to deepen the understanding of motivation (stages of change), build rapport, be empathetic to meeting client's needs, and empower self efficacy.
— Heather Nemeth, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Western Springs, ILI express empathy through reflective listening to what consequences the client has created alone but whose disorder may convince him he has only partially created, and I will describe the discrepancy between clients' goals and the recent behavior, and being I have have many thousands of hours of this behind me, we avoid argument and dissolve the clients resistance to motivate them to begin the work towards dismantling their disorder piece by piece.
— "Sex Addiction", Sexual Misbehavior Absolute Expert James Foley, Psychotherapist in New York, New York, NYWrestling with a big decision? Feeling pulled in opposite directions as one part wants to make a change while the other doesn't? Thinking of leaving your job, changing careers, or starting a company? Contemplating whether to smoke less weed or cigarettes? Through Motivational Interviewing, we'll work through ambivalence so you're no longer stuck or conflicted. We'll explore your reasons for change, problem solve barriers, and set you up for success.
— Lisa Andresen, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in San Francisco, CAI have completed two 21 hour training courses on integrating the approach of motivational interviewing in counseling approach. Motivational Interviewing is a counseling approach that is client-centered (you are the expert), counselor directed (I make observations and help increase awareness) focused on resolving inner conflict regarding change. This approach focuses on empowering clients to find their own meaning for, desire to, and capacity for change.
— Brandi Solanki, Counselor in Waco, TXI want to support you in tapping into your own font of local expert knowledge that you may be feeling disconnected from. Motivational Interviewing has been one of the primary tools I have utilized to promote the changes people have been wanting for themselves, and are ready to move from contemplation into taking action. Having worked in the mental health field for more than a decade, I have extensive experience walking side-by-side with people seeking mental health and substance use recovery.
— Red Galura, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CAWhile using Motivation Interviewing, I focus on exploring and resolving ambivalence towards change. Through a collaborative process, I help individuals identify their own reasons for change and work towards their goals. Whether dealing with addiction, mental health or other life challenges, Motivation Interviewing can be a powerful tool to promote lasting change and personal growth.
— Scotty Gilmore, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fort Worth, TXThis intervention helps people become motivated to change the behaviors that are preventing them from making healthier choices. Research has shown that this intervention works well with individuals who start off unmotivated or unprepared for change. Motivational interviewing is also appropriate for people who are may not be ready to commit to change, but motivational interviewing can help them move through the emotional stages of change necessary to find their motivation.
— Mary Ellen Kundrat, Licensed Clinical Social Worker