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 it does actually fit.
When we are using Motivational Interviewing, our intent is to discover and uncover their motivations for change.
Why would this particular change be important to them at this time?
So no, Motivational Interviewing is not about being the motivator for change. Our clients have motivation inside of them! And it’s not about peppering them with interview questions- it’s about being curious enough to discover and uncover their motivations for change!
And just for fun, the official definition of MI (Miller & Rollnick 2013 book): “Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, goal oriented style of communication with particular attention to the language of change. It is designed to strengthen personal motivation for and commitment to a specific goal by eliciting and exploring the person’s own reasons for change within an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion.”
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!
