Motivational Interviewing

To work with the complexities of lifestyle change, there are methods and conversational techniques that are human-centered and support a person as they identify the importance of, their confidence in and the resources that support a specific behavior change. Motivational interviewing (MI) is one these methods. It helps to navigate ambivalence and leverage autonomous motivation driven by a person's intrinsic goals through conversational elements and attitudes.

Is this a type of manipulation to follow my doctor's opinion?

No, that's not the intention of those in helping professions like counselors, therapists and coaches. Motivational interviewing promotes well-being through person-centered conversations that strengthen their own motivations and commitments.

Motivational interviewing contributes to long-term, sustainable outcomes.

There is a particular attitude in MI of guiding growth through partnership. This foundational concept contributes to sustainable outcomes, especially considering changes in lifestyle. Acceptance, rather than judgement and approval, compassion for the intentions that support personal wellness, however that may show up, and empowerment of abilities are also elements incorporated into the MI attitude.

When having a conversation, MI may show up as questions that seem like a trick; but the open-ended questions help to evoke internal motivations. For example, KP says that she needs to get out of day-to-day project management and a coach may then ask, "what does it look like for you to get out of the project management aspect of the work?" For some, this can feel frustrating when receiving a question-type response after speaking up and asking for help. But, if it's made clear that the inquiry comes from a place of partnership, acceptance, compassion and empowerment, the technique can help a person think about why they are going through the thought process. Then, the why can be put into action through strategic plans and SMART goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. At the end of the day, this all speaks to the tasks of MI, which include engaging, focusing, evoking and planning.

While not everyone needs to work through these tasks to make a change, Motivational interviewing helps to figure out where motivations really reside and what's valuable for the individual living their life. It's not a direct means to a solution, but it is a realistic method for finding confidence and supportive resources when "something's got to change."