Your client is hesitant about Motivational Interviewing sessions. How can you successfully engage them?

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, goal-oriented style of communication with particular attention to the language of change. It is designed to strengthen an individual's motivation toward a specific goal by eliciting and exploring the person's own arguments for change. If you're hesitant about engaging in MI sessions, it's important to understand that your ambivalence is a natural part of the change process. MI provides a supportive space to discuss these mixed feelings without judgment, helping you uncover your intrinsic motivations and the path to change that feels right for you.

1 Understand MI

Motivational Interviewing is rooted in the understanding that change is a process, not an event. As someone who may be skeptical about the benefits of MI, it’s crucial to know that this approach is not about someone else telling you what to do. Instead, it's a partnership between you and your therapist. Your therapist's role is to guide you through your own motivations, helping you to recognize your values and goals, and supporting you in aligning your actions with them.

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David J. Bunnell, MSHS, PA-C, DFAAPA

clinician, educator, scholar
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Motivational interviewing is a transformational technique that empowers individuals to discover their own solutions to challenges. Feeling hesitant is natural. However, by building rapport and emphasizing autonomy in health decisions, clinicians can effectively support individuals in finding their way.

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Charan P S V V

9x Top Voice🏅|| Khorana Fellow - #4 CVRI, Mount Sinai, New York🔬|| Cardiovascular Research 🫀|| IAS SRFP Fellow 🔬 || Entrepreneur 💡|| 25 Million + Reach 🌎 || Vis-Researcher 🧑🎓
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Begin by explaining what MI is and how it works. Highlight that MI is a collaborative, non-judgmental approach designed to help them find their motivation for change. Share the benefits of MI, such as increased self-awareness, empowerment, and improved outcomes in achieving their goals. Use examples and success stories to illustrate these benefits. Identify and address any misconceptions they may have about MI. Ensure they understand that MI is not about coercion or pressure but about supporting their autonomy and self-efficacy.

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2 Build Trust

Building trust is essential in any therapeutic relationship, especially when you're unsure about the process. Your therapist will likely focus on creating a non-confrontational and empathetic environment where you can feel safe to express your thoughts and concerns. By demonstrating understanding and respect for your feelings, a therapist can help reduce your reluctance and encourage you to take an active role in your MI sessions.

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Charan P S V V

9x Top Voice🏅|| Khorana Fellow - #4 CVRI, Mount Sinai, New York🔬|| Cardiovascular Research 🫀|| IAS SRFP Fellow 🔬 || Entrepreneur 💡|| 25 Million + Reach 🌎 || Vis-Researcher 🧑🎓
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Spend time building a genuine connection with your client. Show interest in their life, experiences, and concerns beyond the immediate issues they want to address.

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3 Address Concerns

If you have reservations about Motivational Interviewing, a key step is to voice these concerns with your therapist. This open dialogue allows for a clearer understanding of what MI entails and how it can be tailored to your needs. Discussing your doubts can lead to adjustments in the approach that make you more comfortable, thus enhancing your engagement in the process.

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4 Set Goals

Goal setting in MI is a collaborative effort. It revolves around what you want to achieve, ensuring that the objectives are meaningful and motivating for you. Your therapist will help you articulate these goals and explore the steps necessary to reach them. This personalized approach can make the process more relevant and engaging, as you're working towards outcomes that you've chosen yourself.

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5 Explore Values

Exploring your core values is a fundamental aspect of Motivational Interviewing. It involves delving into what truly matters to you and how your current behaviors align with these values. This introspection can be a powerful motivator for change, as it often reveals discrepancies between your actions and what you aim to achieve. Recognizing these gaps can inspire a genuine desire to make adjustments in your life.

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6 Embrace Autonomy

Finally, embracing your autonomy is a cornerstone of MI. You are the expert on your life, and MI respects your freedom to make choices. Your therapist will support you but won't impose decisions on you. Recognizing that you have control over your actions can be empowering and may reduce any hesitancy you feel towards engaging in MI sessions, as you realize that the journey of change is truly yours to direct.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Your client is hesitant about Motivational Interviewing sessions. How can you successfully engage them?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Understand MI

2 Build Trust

3 Address Concerns

4 Set Goals

5 Explore Values

6 Embrace Autonomy

7 Here’s what else to consider

Motivational Interviewing

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Your client is hesitant about Motivational Interviewing sessions. How can you successfully engage them?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand MI

2 Build Trust

3 Address Concerns

4 Set Goals

5 Explore Values

6 Embrace Autonomy

7 Here’s what else to consider

Motivational Interviewing

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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