We are Guides in the Wilderness: Facilitating Change with Motivational Interviewing

I used to work in Wilderness.


Meaning, I worked both in the wilderness and in the wilderness industry. 


My undergraduate degree was a BA in Therapeutic Uses of the Wilderness. For real! 


It was a great program, a kind of combo of counseling/psychology and adventure education.


(And, I got to spend a lot of time outdoors backpacking, rock climbing, and going down amazing rivers in the Southwest while studying group process, counseling and wilderness education!)


For years, I worked for organizations where I led therapeutic wilderness expeditions for teens who were struggling. 


Our end goal for these trips was to help each individual and the group feel and own the sense of accomplishment that comes from doing hard things and knowing they did it themselves. 


Yes, we guided. Yes, we taught skills. And yes, we provided a container for their process. 


But our goal was to kindle the knowledge, strength, and tools within each individual and the group as a whole to attain their peak performance. 


The translation to Motivational Interviewing is clear. 


When we are working with clients using MI, we are evoking the knowledge, strength, and tools of each individual to work toward the changes they want.


During a Motivational Interviewing conversation, our clients should feel a connection to their inner knowledge and desire for change. 


A good Motivational Interviewer is a good guide. 


As a wilderness guide, we had to find that sweet spot of holding space for students, but not taking over. 


It wasn’t about following the group and letting anything happen (not safe!); it wasn’t about being overly directive or bossy (then students lose their sense of participation in the process and their sense of accomplishment)… 


A good guide knows when to step forward, when to step back, and how to facilitate the client process.


It reminds me of the quote by Lao-Tzu, anxiety philosopher and founder of Taoism:


“A leader is best when people barely know he exists…when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will all say: We did it ourselves.”


We want our clients to feel that sense of accomplishment in their change process! Motivational Interviewing is a key tool to support that process!


Motivational Interviewing Tip of the Week: In what ways do you guide your clients? We are looking for that sweet spot between following and directing. Remember, your client has wisdom and expertise to draw forth in the process of change. We want them to feel their motivation, strengths and ideas. We want them to feel their shine! 

Watch my full video here!