What is motivational interviewing?

Motivational interviewing is defined as a counseling technique that focuses on helping clients explore and resolve their ambivalence towards making behavioral changes, particularly in the context of substance use or other health-related issues. This approach is client-centered and collaborative, meaning that it respects the client’s autonomy while providing support and guidance through empathetic listening and reflective questioning.

In motivational interviewing, the practitioner facilitates a dialogue that allows clients to articulate their thoughts and feelings about change, which ultimately empowers them to take ownership of their decisions regarding their behavior. This is particularly important in substance use treatment, where clients may feel conflicted about their dependence on substances and their desire to alter their habits.

By fostering intrinsic motivation and addressing ambivalence, motivational interviewing helps clients to weigh the pros and cons of their behaviors, thereby enhancing their commitment to change. This approach stands in contrast to more directive methods that might impose change, suggesting that true motivation comes from within the individual rather than being forced upon them.

Thus, the essence of motivational interviewing lies in its ability to enhance a client's motivation to change by resolving their ambivalence, making it a vital tool in behavioral health interventions.