Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing (MI) evolved from a person-centered approach as a method to help people commit to the difficult process of change. As a transtheoretical model, MI considers stages of change (i.e., pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance) and involves coming alongside individuals to enhance intrinsic motivation and resolve internal ambivalence.

Motivational Interviewing at TASC Psychology: A visual representation of the stages of change, highlighting the evidence-based approach for mental health and well-being.

MI is guided by four key principles: 1. Express empathy, 2. Support self-efficacy, 3. Roll with resistance, and 4. Develop discrepancies. Therapists view therapy as a partnership that fosters a collaborative approach to change (i.e., the “spirit of MI”). Assuming an empathetic and supportive approach, therapists use open-ended questions, affirmations, reflection, and summaries –commonly referred to by the acronym OARS. Using both the skills and strategies specific to MI, therapists incorporate the four interwoven processes of Partnership, Acceptance, Compassion, and Evocation (PACE).

MI is a big one here at TASC Psychology and commonly integrated into therapy. While the approach was originally developed to address addiction, MI can help with many conditions and in many situations in which someone is ambivalent about making a substantial change in their life. MI continues to be commonly used in the treatment of substance use, smoking cessation, weight management, parenting, physical health conditions, medication adherence, and so much more. MI can be brief or part of a longer course of treatment. It can also be used to prepare individuals for more specific types of therapies, given the established efficacy related to motivation, preparedness, and readiness to change.

Clinical Applications

Since its inception in the 1980s, studies have continuously supported the efficacy of this evidence-based approach in treating everything from alcohol addiction to high blood pressure. For many, MI feels like a more compassionate, strength-based, and realistic approach to change —even if past attempts at change have failed.

Efficacy

People are the undisputed experts on themselves —no one has been with them longer, or knows themselves better. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative conversation for strengthening a person’s own motivation and commitment to change. When done successfully, an initially ambivalent client advances in motivational readiness, develops a change plan, and commits to it.