Creating Change with Motivational Interviewing

Author: Nora Carnevale, Taproot Therapy Clinical Trainee

Throughout life, change is a constant. However, when it comes to making a specific change in our lives, we often experience feelings of ambivalence. Experiencing ambivalence in the face of change is normal, since there is safety and security in maintaining our own status quo. Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based, person-centered method for bringing about change (Miller & Rollnick, 2023). “Motivation” refers to what helps inspire someone to action, and “interviewing” refers to the fact that one person is guiding the interaction (Miller & Rollnick, 2023). While potential changes can take many forms, some examples relate to pursuing new career paths, setting boundaries, finding healthy coping mechanisms, and navigating interpersonal relationships. Through use of MI skills, a clinician can begin to understand what truly moves someone to take the first steps on a new path. 

The concept of motivational interviewing grew out of close observations and reflections on clinical interactions. Initially used to help individuals recovering from alcohol use disorder, it has since grown into a broadly applicable practice and accompanies a variety of therapeutic modalities. Globally, MI has been widely studied and there are more than 2,000 controlled clinical trials involving its use (Miller & Rollnick, 2023). As further evidence of its applicability, MI is used across a broad range of professions that offer health and education services to individuals and communities. 

MI acknowledges that change is a process that unfolds over time, and often through interpersonal exchanges. The “MI Spirit” that practitioners draw from consists of partnership, acceptance, compassion, and empowerment. Partnership between a clinician and client refers to viewing the process of therapy as a collaboration, with both individuals working toward the goals that a client identifies for themselves. Therapists meet clients where they are without judgment and with full acceptance, recognizing that motivation for change typically does not arise from feeling shame or worthlessness, but from being fully accepted (Miller & Rollnick, 2023). In addition, compassion comes into play as an intent to give top priority to the health and well-being of the individual seeking help. Finally, empowerment is a result of recognizing that clients already have what they need to change, and a therapist using MI is simply helping them to find it. This spirit is reflected in the way therapists engage with clients about change and growth in order to strengthen motivation and commitment. 

According to Miller and Rollnick (2023), “when people learn about MI, they often seem to recognize it as if they were being reminded of something they already knew about being human.” Through this proven tool, it is possible to cultivate hope and optimism regarding our ability to change. 


References
Miller, W.R. & Rollnick, S. (2023). Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change and Grow (4th ed). The Guilford Press.