About Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered approach to therapy that aims to help individuals explore their motivations for change and build intrinsic commitment to achieving their goals. It is often used in the context of Mental Health and or Substance Use treatment.
Key principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI):
- Empathy: The therapist expresses empathy and understanding for the client’s perspective, creating a safe and supportive environment.
- Open-ended questions: The therapist uses open-ended questions to elicit information and encourage the client to reflect on their thoughts and feelings.
- Affirmations: The therapist acknowledges the client’s strengths and efforts, reinforcing their self-esteem and motivation.
- Reflective listening: The therapist reflects back what the client has said, demonstrating understanding and encouraging further exploration.
- Summarization: The therapist summarizes key points of the conversation, helping the client to identify patterns and insights.