Motivational Interviewing and Trauma Informed Care

Motivational Interviewing is trauma informed at its essence. If you want a deeper dive into this topic, check out our 2-hour CE course on Motivational Interviewing and Trauma Informed Care here.

But in short, let me break it down!

A trauma-informed approach emphasizes safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, empowerment, voice, choice, cultural sensitivity, and respect for individual experiences. 

Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative way of talking with people about change and growth to strengthen their own motivation and commitment to change.  

Trauma Informed Care principles, such as safety, trustworthiness, and collaboration, are the key ingredients for creating a safe environment where individuals who have experienced trauma feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and feelings.

The spirit of MI sets the stage for a safe, collaborative environment. The Motivational Interviewing approach is rooted in empathy, curiosity, partnership, empowerment, acceptance and compassion. MI is an approach that helps individuals express their own reasons for wanting to make a change, while normalizing and exploring their ambivalence. MI also helps our clients identify & draw on their own strengths and resources (empowerment).

Motivational Interviewing also promotes self-efficacy by helping individuals believe in their ability to make changes and succeed in their goals. MI emphasizes the importance of choice and autonomy in the change process. Growing self-efficacy and supporting autonomy and choice are particularly helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma, as they may have been denied their agency and autonomy in the past.

MI can be adapted to address other effects of trauma, such as by slowing the pace of conversations, validating emotions, and avoiding triggers. Trauma Informed Care recognizes that trauma can significantly affect an individual’s behavior, motivation, and ability to engage in treatment.

Combining MI and Trauma Informed Care can help:

Increase Motivation for Change:
By combining Motivational Interviewing and Trauma Informed Care, helping professionals can create a more supportive and empowering environment for individuals who are struggling with trauma and making changes in their lives. 

Improve Treatment Outcomes:
Integrating Motivational Interviewing and Trauma Informed Care can lead to better long-term results for individuals who have experienced trauma, as MI helps them to develop a stronger sense of self-efficacy and autonomy.

Motivational Interviewing Tip of the Week: The combination of Motivational Interviewing and Trauma Informed Care can foster healing by creating a safe and trusting relationship where individuals can explore their trauma, identify their own strengths, and develop a plan for moving forward. Integrating Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care offers an effective approach to supporting individuals who have experienced trauma in making positive changes in their lives by creating a safe, trusting, and empowering environment. Utilizing Motivational Interviewing, helping professionals can help individuals to identify their own motivations for change, explore their ambivalence, and develop the skills and resources they need to heal and thrive.

Watch my full video here!