Motivational Interviewing

What is Motivational Interviewing (MI)?

Motivational interviewing is a way of talking with people that helps them find their own reasons to make a change. Instead of telling someone what to do, the mental health provider listens, asks questions and helps the individual discover what they want to improve. Motivational interviewing is based on the idea that people are more likely to change when the motivation comes from within themselves. 

What core skills are used in Motivational Interviewing?

Motivational interviewing makes use of a few skills, namely:

  • Listening carefully by paying attention and showing that you understand what the individual is saying 

  • Asking open ended questions or questions that cannot be answered with just a yes or a no.

  • Acknowledging the individual’s feelings and struggles. 

  • Helping the individual see their own reasons for change by connecting them to their goals, values and hopes.

  • Summarizing the main points the individual has said so that the individual feels heard. 

  • Help the individual feel more confident and make them believe in themselves and their capabilities of making meaningful decisions.

OARS is a common way to remember communication skills in motivational interviewing. It stands for:

  • O = Open ended questions 

  • A = Affirmations 

  • R = Reflective Listening 

  • S = Summarizing 

What is Motivational Interviewing used for? 

Motivational interviewing is often used to help people change their behaviors when they feel stuck in life or are unsure about making a change. It can be applied in diverse areas including areas such as changing unhealthy habits (e.g. smoking, drinking etc), improving diet, exercising, managing health conditions, building confidence and motivation, improving relationships and achieving personal goals. 

Learn more about Motivational Interviewing:

The Society of Clinical Psychology provides additional information about the treatment here.

The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies features a helpful self-help workbook that using motivational interviewing. Learn more about it here.

Final Thoughts 

Motivational interviewing is not about forcing or convincing someone to change. The individual making the change is the expert on their own life. The role of the mental health provider is to guide the conversation and help the individual find their own reasons to fuel their motivation to change. 

Author: Vishaka Kalra

Edited by: Jamie Turner