Motivational interviewing

Definition

Motivational interviewing is a client-centered counseling approach designed to enhance intrinsic motivation by helping individuals explore and resolve ambivalence toward behavior change. It emphasizes open dialogue and empathetic understanding, allowing clients to articulate their own reasons for change while fostering a collaborative atmosphere. This method is particularly effective in addressing both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, enabling individuals to tap into their personal goals and values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Motivational interviewing is based on the principle that people are more likely to change when they feel understood and supported rather than pressured or judged.
2. The technique involves reflective listening, where the counselor mirrors back what the client says to help clarify their thoughts and feelings.
3. A core component of motivational interviewing is the use of open-ended questions, which encourages clients to think deeply about their motivations and aspirations.
4. This approach is widely used in fields like addiction treatment, health care, and therapy, particularly for clients who are resistant to change.
5. Motivational interviewing helps clients build self-efficacy by empowering them to take ownership of their decisions and recognize their capability to change.

Review Questions

• How does motivational interviewing differentiate between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in the process of facilitating change?
  • Motivational interviewing recognizes that intrinsic motivation drives individuals to change for personal satisfaction, while extrinsic motivation involves external rewards or pressures. By exploring both types of motivation, counselors can help clients identify their personal goals and values, which enhances intrinsic motivation. This dual focus allows clients to understand how external factors might support or hinder their internal desire for change.
• In what ways does motivational interviewing utilize reflective listening, and why is it important for addressing ambivalence during behavior change?
  • Reflective listening is a key technique in motivational interviewing that involves the counselor restating or paraphrasing what the client expresses. This practice is vital for addressing ambivalence because it shows clients they are being heard, which can help clarify their thoughts and feelings about change. By providing a safe space for clients to express mixed emotions, counselors can guide them toward resolving their ambivalence and finding motivation from within.
• Evaluate the impact of motivational interviewing on self-efficacy among clients facing behavioral challenges. How does this relate to their ability to pursue intrinsic motivation?
  • Motivational interviewing significantly enhances self-efficacy by empowering clients to take ownership of their decisions and recognize their capacity for change. As clients articulate their thoughts and feelings through guided conversations, they begin to see themselves as capable agents of change. This growing self-efficacy supports intrinsic motivation as individuals become more aligned with their personal values and goals, leading them to pursue positive behaviors that reflect their true desires.

Related terms

Intrinsic Motivation: The drive to engage in an activity for its inherent satisfaction and personal reward, rather than for some separable consequence.

Extrinsic Motivation: The drive to perform an activity to earn rewards or avoid punishments that come from outside the individual.

Ambivalence: The state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something, which often plays a key role in the change process during motivational interviewing.