What is Motivational interviewing?

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative conversation style for strengthening a person’s own motivation and commitment to change. MI began in the addictions field but has since developed into multiple health and care settings. These include Primary Care, managing people with chronic pain or a high falls risk as well as helping people with chronic conditions better manage their health through discussing lifestyle behaviour change. More recently MI has been explored within the area of sports coaching, leadership in organisation’s, and schools where the same spirit, processes and techniques can be used to cultivate development and change.

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Motivational Interviewing is a client-centered, directive counseling approach aimed at resolving an individual's ambivalence about change and enhancing their intrinsic motivation to change a behaviour. It was developed by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick. The approach involves using open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations to help the individual clarify their values, goals, and reasons for change, and to increase their confidence and commitment to the change process. Motivational Interviewing has been used effectively to help clients engage in health enhancing activities and avoid the complications associated with long-term health conditions such as diabetes, osteoarthritis and heart and lung disease.

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Motivational Interviewing is based on the principles of person-centered therapy and has its roots in the theory of change and self-determination. The approach is characterized by a collaborative, non-confrontational, and empathic style that helps individuals feel heard and respected. The goal of Motivational Interviewing is to tap into an individual's own motivation to change, rather than imposing change from the outside. This approach can be especially effective in helping individuals who are ambivalent or resistant to change, as it acknowledges their feelings and works with them to find their own solutions.

In addition to its applications in the treatment of behavioral health problems, Motivational Interviewing has also been used in a variety of settings, including sports coaching, veterinary medicine, as well as for leadership and professional organisations. There is a growing body of research supporting the effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing, and it is considered a well-established and evidence-based approach.