Unlocking Your Motivation: What is Motivational Interviewing (MI)?

The Challenge of Ambivalence

Most people feel ambivalent about major life changes—whether it's managing a chronic health condition, changing a relationship dynamic, or breaking a habit. Part of you wants the change (the benefits), and part of you wants to stay the same (the comfort and familiarity). This internal conflict is normal, but it can be exhausting and lead to procrastination.

MI operates on the principle that change is most successful when it comes from the client's own values and reasons, not from external pressure. The therapist's role is not to argue for the change, but to help you hear yourself argue for it.

The Four Core Processes of MI

MI is a goal-oriented process guided by four key conversational steps:

1. Engaging (Establishing a Working Relationship)

The therapist first establishes a trusting, respectful, and collaborative atmosphere. This phase is about listening deeply and non-judgementally to the client’s experiences and perspectives. The focus here is on genuine empathy and safety.

2. Focusing (Clarifying the Direction for Change)

The client and therapist work together to achieve clarity on the specific target for change. This ensures the therapeutic work is aligned with what the client truly wants and values, rather than what the therapist or others believe is best.

3. Evoking (Eliciting the Client's Own Motivation)

This is the heart of MI. The therapist uses specific, open-ended questions to "evoke" Change Talk—statements from the client that express desire, ability, reasons, need, and commitment to change. By helping the client articulate their own reasons and confidence, the internal motivation is strengthened.

4. Planning (Committing to Action)

Once the client's motivation is clearly established, the therapist helps them move toward concrete goals. This phase involves collaboratively developing a specific plan and reinforcing the client's commitment and hope for success.

What is Motivational Interviewing Used For?

MI is an approach that can be integrated into many therapeutic settings and is particularly effective where resistance or ambivalence is high.

• Health and Wellness: It is widely used to support sustained change in areas like chronic disease management, adherence to treatment plans, weight management, exercise goals, and managing addictions.

• Mental Health: MI is highly effective for preparing clients to engage in other, more intensive therapies (like CBT or Trauma Therapy) by increasing their readiness and commitment to the challenging work ahead.

• Behavioural Change: It helps individuals navigate ambivalence related to lifestyle changes, career shifts, relational patterns, and managing anger or stress.

• Adolescents and Teens: It is a gentle, non-confrontational style that works well with younger clients who are often resistant to being told what to do.

By partnering with a therapist trained in MI, you move from feeling stuck and debating possibilities to hearing your own voice confidently argue for the life you want to lead.