What is Motivational Interviewing?

Motivational interviewing is a therapeutic modality that was developed by a researcher named Miller in the 1980s specifically to treat substance use disorders. Since that time another researcher named Rollnick has worked with Miller to advance the theory. Motivational interviewing is quite a bit different than a lot of other modalities. It is a brief therapy and is narrowly focused on substance use or sometimes other issues where motivation is considered central to making some sort of change. In motivational interviewing, the therapist works to expand the gap between the choices an individual is making and their behaviors and goals. Therapists using motivational interviewing will help a client explore that ambivalence. Ambivalence is when an individual has strong feelings in opposite directions. In motivational interviewing a therapist rolls with resistance. The stages of change in motivational interviewing are precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance (sometimes a sixth stage added like relapse and termination). One acronym used in motivational interviewing OARS: open questions, affirmation, reflective listening, and summary. Another acronym is RULE: resist the righting reflex, understanding the client’s own motivation, listen with empathy, and empower.

[@angelinastanton7996]

I like the concepts of Motivational Interviewing, especially when used for clients struggling with addiction. I think it puts a more positive light on other addiction models by focusing on ambivalence of feelings and motivation. I think that the stages of change make sense, especially adding the sixth stage of relapse. Most clients with substance use will relapse, so I think it is important to recognize this. I would like to see more research on Motivational Interviewing used with clients who do not suffer from an addiction.

[@shauntaepacheco509]

Motivational Interviewing helps the client to put things into
perspective, to understand their life’s goals and what’s standing in the way of
achieving them. The stages of change help to emphasize that change is a progression
and sometimes steps must be repeated.

[@frederickwhiteside6415]

This is indeed a fantastic video on the techniques and practices of Motivational Interviewing. My fellow Peer Leader Trainees and I are building a powerful supply cabinet of various tools and practices to help motivate patients and others in need of support, empathy and a non-judgmental ear. With the use of PowerPoint Presentations, handouts, videos, open discussions and tons of practice sessions, using various scenarios and client role play, we are learning the finer points and practices to become the best Peer Leader possible.
This particular video would really be extremely helpful in our practice sessions on what to do and/or not do while helping patients reach their goals and needs.

[@yes0r787]

Well crafted outline.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge Dr. Grande.

[@pyrogirl55]

I had to take notes on a bunch of MI videos for class and this one autoplayed. I took not on it for like 20 minutes before I realized it was the wrong video. Good info despite the fact I'm oblivious af

[@tuck-brainwks-eutent-hidva1098]

Hypothesis: I wonder whether each of these models would be most effective with a different type of client (generally speaking) -- 12-Step with those of us who have suffered under the illusion of control, disease model for those with a predominating genetic/family history, motivational interviewing for those whose use began as a way to cope with perceived powerlessness...? Clearly, an oversimplification, as there is plenty of overlap, but I am guessing the apparent contradictions in the recovery models may point to the fragmentation in the lives of strugglers, more than necessarily being a mark of uncertain validity...?

[@annettehardy5034]

Very good information

[@k.amairi]

I'm preparing to put together a training on MI for nurse case managers. I appreciate this video.

[@Lazymermaid65]

Really good, thank you!

[@robinburley-spedding1025]

Do you need a license to do motivational interviewing?

[@tumiepowe2033]

Thank you

[@meanthony5474]

Rolling with resistance removed in 2012...replaced with Dealing with discord ..I.e...Ambivalence is normal..
Also disagree that's its a therapy. It's actually a person centered communication style...but agree it can therapeutic in its delivery.
I work often with Steve Rollnick co founder of M.I..so my comments are not from a negative place..but one of knowing that a lot of this video is spot on ..but some of it..misinformed.

[@wandamixon5360]

Motivational Interviewing is not what I anticipated. I do agree that it would work well integrated with another modality. Since I think CBT and Person-centered can be easily integrated, I appreciate that Motivational Interviewing contains those elements.
I especially appreciate the nonjudgmental approach and resisting the righting reflex as well as affirmation of previous success, empowerment, and way of handling ambivalence. While I understand that it's a brief therapy, I am not certain that brief therapy is appropriate specifically for substance issues as maintenance is vital when dealing with addictions. I realize that the sixth stage can be added, and it probably should. Yet, I fail to understand the Rationale. What does it mean to expand the gap between choices and behavior? Honestly, I do not recall what I read previously about this modality, nor do I know enough, yet.

[@lindsayf8688]

Kind of similarity to reality therapy??

[@Be_usmc]

Great information