3 Questions Answered about Motivational Interviewing

3 Common questions about MI:

Just what is MI? Why is it called MI? And why is it so important?

1. What is MI? The 2023 definition of Motivational Interviewing is that “MI is a particular way of talking with people about change and growth to strengthen their own motivation and commitment.” (Bill Miller). It’s used to help someone resolve their ambivalence about change, around a topic that would be good for them to change. 
2. Why is it called MI? I had a hard time with the name ‘Motivational Interviewing’ initially. It sounded like a cheerleading kind of thing– is it about ME motivating my CLIENTS to change? That sounds like what I’m already trying to do and it’s exhausting! Nope! It’s about interviewing clients in a way that enhances THEIR motivation for change. Or rather, a conversation style that enhances their motivation for change. Interviewing is a misleading word too–is it asking lots of questions? Sounded like it could mean putting them on the spot! But when we look at the meaning of interviewing, “to discover their opinions or experience,” then the word does actually fit. When we are using Motivational Interviewing, our intent is to discover and uncover their motivations for change. 
3. Why is MI so important? When we are talking with someone who is struggling with change, it can seem SO OBVIOUS what they should do. That tugs at our fixing reflex, our natural tendency to tell people what to do and how to do it. We are usually already pretty darn good at giving people advice, telling them our opinions, educating, & sharing resources. If behavior change were that simple, our jobs as helping professionals would be SO MUCH EASIER! But ambivalence is so darn hard to work with! It’s confounding! MI is so important because it is an artful way of eliciting their motivations for change rather than us pushing, pulling, or trying to talk people into change. And that’s just more effective, period. With nearly 2,000 clinical trials that demonstrate efficacy, Motivational Interviewing is well established as an evidence-based practice. 

Motivational Interviewing Tip of the Week: What will help increase your curiosity about your clients’ motivation for change? Can you set aside your own motivation and ideas for them for a bit? Open-ended questions can be helpful here! “Why is this change important to you?” Then reflect what they answer! “What will some of the positive outcomes be when you make this change?” Then reflect again! When clients hear themselves speak, they get clearer on what they believe and want for themselves!​​​​​​​

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