What is motivational interviewing?

Motivational interviewing is fundamentally a client-centered counseling style that is designed to elicit and strengthen motivation for change. This approach recognizes the importance of the client's autonomy and perspective, focusing on their intrinsic motivation rather than imposing external goals or pressures.

In practice, motivational interviewing involves the use of open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations, all of which foster a collaborative environment where clients feel heard and understood. This technique empowers clients to explore their ambivalence about change, helping them articulate their own reasons for making changes and supports them in developing a plan that aligns with their personal values and goals.

By prioritizing the client’s voice in the change process, this method effectively enhances the likelihood of positive outcomes in various settings such as addiction treatment, healthcare, and social work.