Motivational interviewing helps a wide range of clients who walk through our doors to move from a state of ambivalence about change to actively taking steps to recover from a substance use disorder. Or they may decide recovery is not right for them at this time.
But why is this needed if they have already shown up? Doesn’t that show they are ready to change? Not necessarily. People enter treatment for a multitude of reasons. Family members may force them to go if they are minors or dependents. Others may receive ultimatums from spouses, face consequences at work, or attempt to avoid criminal charges. Anyone may even easily have moments of motivation. But it is much harder to maintain high levels of motivation for long periods of time.
What it is: Motivational interviewing uses open ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries to address ambivalence about the potential of change. It can help clients identify their reasons for wanting a change. Therapists align themselves with the client’s current level of motivation to help strengthen resolve and clarify the desire for change.
In particular, it was found to reduce substance related consequences, aggression, and violence. It also increases the likelihood of treatment initiation for multiple difficulties by clients who may be resistant.
What it isn’t: Motivational interviewing isn’t confronting the client with the reasons others think they need to change. Nor is it a confrontation about what the client has previously said or indicated compared to where they are now. Motivational interviewing is also not only to helping people clarify whether to cease or reduce substance use! It works with any form of indecision about making change in a client’s life.
Motivational interviewing is also not considered a mode of therapy or a treatment program for substance use. It’s a tool therapists can use when clients are unsure about what actions or decisions best align with their goals. There’s a great continuing education course from the creators of this method if you want to learn more. There’s also a really good book on this method that gives more detail.
Motivational interviewing provides therapists with the opportunity to align themselves with the client where they are. It helps explore ambivalence to change while calling attention to their (not others’) reasons for wanting change. Talk about empowering clients.
