Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing MI is a client centred style using the person centred approach by providing a safe, confidential space to allow self-disclosure with a counsellor who holds the attitudes of being non-judgemental, empathic and genuine in their responses.

MI was originally used in the alcohol addiction field and has been scientifically proven to help people who are ambivalent, unwilling or unable to change by using techniques to help increase their motivation.

It encourages you to think and talk about your reasons for change which can minimise resistance. Being autonomous in decision making and using the counsellor as a guide and build your confidence, helps to master your competence in making changes while being supported in getting your needs met to become more self-directive.

MI consists of four key communication skills which are:

• Open-ended Questions
• Affirming
• Reflective Listening
• Summarizing

The stages of Change are: Pre-contemplation; Contemplation; Preparation; Action and Maintenance.

You would need to be ready and willing to take action and have a Goal to work towards change. The counsellor would use Change Talk which consists of your desire, ability, reason and need to change. At the Action and Maintenance stages you may relapse at any time and self efficacy and motivation are needed to resist temptation, cope with life stressors with a maintenance strategy in place.