Motivational Interviewing (MI)
A collaborative, client-centered counseling approach that helps people explore and resolve ambivalence about behavior change, commonly used for substance use concerns.
What Is Motivational Interviewing (MI)?
Motivational interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, client-centered counseling style designed to strengthen a person’s own motivation for and commitment to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence, most commonly used in the context of substance use but applicable to other health behaviors.
How It Works
MI is based on the principle that people are more likely to make lasting change when motivation comes from within rather than through direct persuasion or confrontation. Therapists use specific communication techniques, including open-ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summarizing, to help clients articulate their own reasons for change. This description uses original explanatory language.
What Happens During Therapy?
Sessions typically involve a collaborative conversation exploring a person’s current behaviors, ambivalence about change, and personal values and goals, with the counselor using specific reflective and affirming communication techniques rather than directive advice-giving.
Evidence and Effectiveness
Research supports MI for substance use disorders, with evidence for increasing treatment engagement and reducing substance use, particularly when used briefly or as a precursor to more intensive treatment. Evidence also supports MI for other health behavior changes, such as medication adherence and lifestyle modification.
Who May Benefit?
MI may be considered for people who are ambivalent about changing a behavior, such as substance use, and may be used as a standalone brief intervention or integrated into other treatment approaches.
Limitations and Considerations
MI is often used as a component of broader treatment rather than a complete standalone treatment for more severe or complex conditions; its effectiveness can depend heavily on the skill and training of the practitioner.
Finding a Qualified Therapist
MI is practiced by a wide range of professionals, including psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, addiction counselors, and other healthcare providers with specific MI training.
How Long Does Therapy Take?
MI can be delivered in as few as one to four sessions as a brief intervention, or integrated throughout a longer course of treatment; length varies according to the setting and goals.
Therapy vs. Medication
MI is a counseling approach and does not replace medication for conditions such as opioid or alcohol use disorder; it is often used to support engagement with medication-assisted treatment, in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
What Conditions Is It Used For?
Related Therapy Types
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Evidence-Based Practices Resource Center.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment.
- American Psychological Association. Clinical Practice Guidelines.