When to use (and not use) Motivational Interviewing

As Motivational Interviewers, we are not using Motivational Interviewing to get someone to do what we want them to do. Getting someone else to do what we want them to do is manipulation. 

Motivational Interviewing is designed to support someone to move towards the change that they want. 

Sometimes I hear folks say “I used Motivational Interviewing on so-and-so.” 

I cringe a bit inside, because although they may not have intended it, that makes it sound like they were asserting their agenda on someone else. 

We use Motivational Interviewing with someone. MI is a conversation style designed to strengthen their motivation for change and growth around what they want to change and grow around!

The focus of a MI conversation is meant to be rooted in the spirit of Motivational Interviewing- especially the spirit element of compassion. When we are approaching clients from compassion, we are always working in the best interest of the client. 

The other spirit element of Motivational Interviewing that comes into play here is supporting the autonomy of every individual through acceptance & empowerment. MI is not about taking away someone’s choice- it’s about empowering them to make the choices they want to make. 

We get into “itchy” territory ethically when we begin to delineate from what the client wants to change. This comes up with using MI with clients engaged in mandatory services, such as justice involved or child or adult protective services. MI is certainly an applicable tool in mandated services, when used with a client while rooted in the spirit elements of compassion, acceptance and empowerment. 

If you love to dive into the ethics of Motivational Interviewing, we have a 3-hour course on it here!

Motivational Interviewing Tip of the Week:

Motivational Interviewing is not Motivational Interviewing if it’s not grounded in the spirit of compassion & acceptance. We support the autonomy and choice of every individual, empowering our clients to make the changes they want to make. MI is not used on someone, it’s used with someone!

Watch my full video here!