Motivational Interviewing: Strategies to Help Clients Make Changes
Motivational interviewing (MI) is an approach to helping people make positive changes in their lives. It is a counseling technique that focuses on helping people identify and move toward their goals. MI is designed to build motivation to change by helping clients focus on their personal strengths and goals rather than focusing on their problems. The goal of MI is to create the best environment for change.
What is the Theory Behind Motivational Interviewing?
Motivational interviewing (MI) is based on the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational therapy, which are therapeutic approaches that help people identify, understand, and change their thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. MI also incorporates elements of motivational enhancement therapy and person-centered therapy, which focus on facilitating personal growth and making positive lifestyle changes.
The main objectives of MI are to build a client’s motivation and commitment to making changes and to create a safe and supportive environment where the client can explore their thoughts, values, and beliefs without judgement. MI is a solution-focused approach that helps clients identify their goals, set realizable objectives, and explore potential barriers to change.
How Does Motivational Interviewing Work?
MI is an interactive and collaborative process. The therapist and the client work together to identify the client’s goals, beliefs and values about change, and to help the client take ownership of their own process. The therapist often uses a range of communication tools and strategies, including active listening, goal setting, reflective statements, and open-ended questions.
Through the process of MI, the client is encouraged to set goals that are realistic and achievable. They also explore how to achieve their goals and how to overcome any obstacles or challenges that might prevent them from achieving their goals.
Conclusion
Motivational interviewing is a counselling approach that helps people identify their goals and make positive changes in their lives. It is based on the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational therapy, and focuses on building motivation and commitment, and creating a safe and supportive environment. Through the process of MI, clients are able to explore their thoughts, beliefs and values, set realistic and achievable goals, and identify potential barriers to change. MI provides an opportunity for personal growth and positive lifestyle change.