Motivational Interviewing

What Is Motivational Interviewing?

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, evidence-based approach designed to strengthen your personal motivation for change. Rather than telling you what to do, MI helps you discover your own reasons and capacity for making positive shifts in your life—whether that's changing habits, addressing substance use, improving health behaviors, or overcoming ambivalence about other important life changes.

This collaborative method, developed by psychologists William Miller and Stephen Rollnick, recognizes that motivation comes from within—and that the path to change becomes clearer when you explore your own values, goals, and reasons for wanting something different.

The Spirit of Motivational Interviewing

At its heart, MI embodies four key principles:

• Partnership: Your therapist works alongside you, not as an authority figure
• Acceptance: Your autonomy and perspective are deeply respected
• Compassion: Your wellbeing guides the entire process
• Evocation: Your own motivations and strengths are drawn out, not imposed from outside

This spirit creates a unique therapeutic relationship where you feel both supported and empowered to make your own decisions.

Beyond Ambivalence

Many of us feel caught between wanting change and fearing it—a natural state known as ambivalence. Perhaps part of you wants to set healthier boundaries, while another part worries about the consequences. Or maybe you know certain habits aren't serving you well, but they provide comfort or familiarity.

MI helps you explore both sides of your ambivalence with curiosity rather than judgment. By understanding your mixed feelings, you can move through them more effectively toward clarity and commitment.

The Process: OARS

Therapists trained in Motivational Interviewing use specific skills, sometimes remembered as "OARS":

• Open-ended questions that invite reflection rather than yes/no answers
• Affirmations that recognize your strengths and efforts
• Reflective listening that helps clarify your thoughts and feelings
• Summaries that bring together key elements of your exploration

Through these techniques, your therapist helps you articulate your own hopes, concerns, and reasons for change—making the path forward more meaningful and sustainable.

Who Benefits from Motivational Interviewing?

MI was originally developed to address substance use concerns, but has proven effective for many situations where change feels difficult, including:

• Health behavior changes (exercise, nutrition, medication adherence)
• Addressing anxiety and depression
• Managing chronic conditions
• Relationship patterns
• Work-life balance challenges
• Personal growth goals

This approach is particularly helpful when you feel uncertain about change or when previous attempts haven't led to lasting results.

Working with Resistance

MI sees resistance to change as valuable information about your concerns. Your therapist won't push against your resistance but instead will roll with it—exploring your hesitations with genuine curiosity and respect.

This non-confrontational style creates a safe space for honest conversation about what change means for you, reducing defensiveness and opening new possibilities.

Interested in Exploring Motivational Interviewing?

If you're contemplating an important change but feeling unsure or conflicted, Motivational Interviewing could help you find clarity and direction.

Schedule a consultation today to learn how this respectful, collaborative approach might help you tap into your own motivation for meaningful change.