Motivational interviewing (MI)

Motivational interviewing is a counseling method that helps people resolve ambivalent feelings and insecurities to find the internal motivation they need to change their behavior. It is a practical, empathetic, and short-term process that takes into consideration how difficult it is to make life changes.

when it is used

Motivational interviewing is often used to address addiction and the management of physical health conditions such as:

• Substance use disorder

• Smoking

• Weight loss

• Medication adherence

• Cancer care

• Diabetes care

• Health behaviors among children

goals of treatment

This intervention helps people become motivated to change the behaviors that are preventing them from making healthier choices.

what to expect

In a supportive manner, a motivational interviewer encourages clients to talk about their need for change and their own reasons for wanting to change. The role of the interviewer is mainly to evoke a conversation about change and commitment.

The interviewer listens and reflects back the client’s thoughts so that the client can hear their reasons and motivations expressed back to them. Motivational interviewing is generally short-term counseling that requires just one or two sessions, though it can also be included as an intervention along with other, longer-term therapies.