What is Motivational Interviewing and Why is it Useful in the Correctional Setting?
- January 7, 2023
- , 4:26 pm
- , Blog, Motivational Interviewing, Reintegration
Introduction
Motivational interviewing is a counseling style that is designed to help people resolve ambivalence and make positive changes in their lives. It is a collaborative, goal-oriented approach that emphasizes the person’s own motivations for change.
During a motivational interviewing session, the therapist or counselor helps the person to explore and resolve any conflicting thoughts or feelings about making changes. They also help the person to identify their own goals and values, and to develop a plan for making changes that are consistent with those goals and values.
The therapist or counselor also helps the person to overcome any barriers that may be preventing them from making the changes they want to make.
Motivational interviewing is a widely-used and evidence-based approach that has been shown to be effective in helping people make positive changes in a variety of areas, including mental health and substance abuse treatment. It is a non-confrontational, respectful, and supportive approach that helps people to find their own motivations for change.
How does MI help with ambivalence?
Ambivalence is a state of having mixed feelings or conflicting thoughts about something. In the context of motivational interviewing, ambivalence refers to conflicting thoughts or feelings about making changes in one’s life.
Motivational interviewing helps with ambivalence by providing a structured, collaborative, and supportive environment in which the person can explore and resolve their conflicting thoughts and feelings about making changes.
During a motivational interviewing session, the therapist or counselor helps the person to identify both their pros and cons for making changes, and to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of different options. The therapist or counselor also helps the person to clarify their values and goals, and to understand how making changes might help them to achieve those values and goals.
By helping the person to clarify and understand their thoughts and feelings about change, motivational interviewing can help them to resolve their ambivalence and feel more confident and motivated to make the changes they want to make.
How does a motivational interviewing dialogue between therapist and client look like?
Motivational interviewing is a collaborative and person-centered approach, so the dialogue between the therapist and the client will vary depending on the individual needs and goals of the client. However, there are some general elements that are commonly included in a motivational interviewing dialogue:
Engaging: The therapist works to build rapport and establish a trusting relationship with the client.
Focusing: The therapist helps the client to clarify their goals and values, and to identify areas of their life where they would like to make changes.
Evoking: The therapist helps the client to explore their own motivations for change by asking open-ended questions and encouraging them to share their thoughts and feelings.
Planning: The therapist helps the client to develop a plan for making the changes they want to make, including identifying any barriers or challenges that may need to be addressed.
Supporting: The therapist provides support and encouragement to the client as they work towards their goals.
Throughout the process, the therapist maintains a non-confrontational, respectful, and supportive stance, and works with the client to help them find their own motivations for change.
What values should I listen for?
When listening for values in motivational interviewing, it can be helpful to listen for words or phrases that reflect the person’s personal beliefs or principles. Some common values that people may mention include:
- Respect for others
- Responsibility
- Honesty
- Fairness
- Caring for others
- Personal growth
- Freedom
- Creativity
- Independence
By listening for these and other values, you can help the person to clarify their priorities and to understand how making changes might help them to achieve those values. This can help to increase their motivation and confidence to make the changes they want to make.