Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing is an intervention that helps individuals to resolve feelings of ambivalence and find internal motivation to change their behaviours. In a supportive manner, a therapist using motivational interviewing will encourage individuals to talk about their need for change and their reasons for wanting to change. The goal of this approach is to help individuals realize their own motivations for changing behaviours. Three central components of Motivational Interviewing are: 

• Collaboration - Attempting to see the situation from the client’s point of view. No one has a better understanding of the experience than the client. 

• Evocation - Creating an internal desire for change by drawing out the client’s perception of the situation 

• Autonomy - Placing all of the power on the client.

Motivational Interviewing is generally delivered in a short-term format, but can also be included as an intervention along with other types of therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy or stress management.