Motivational interviewing

Definition

Motivational interviewing is a client-centered counseling technique designed to enhance an individual’s motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. It fosters a collaborative conversation where the interviewer helps the source articulate their own reasons for change, rather than imposing external judgments or pressures. This approach is particularly effective for engaging reluctant sources who may be hesitant to share information.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Motivational interviewing uses open-ended questions to encourage sources to express their thoughts and feelings freely, allowing for deeper engagement.
2. It emphasizes reflective listening, where the interviewer paraphrases or reflects back what the source says, helping them feel understood.
3. This technique seeks to evoke a sense of autonomy in the source, making them feel empowered to make their own decisions about sharing information.
4. Motivational interviewing can be particularly beneficial when dealing with sources who may have negative past experiences with interviews or who feel threatened by the questioning process.
5. The core principles of motivational interviewing include expressing empathy, developing discrepancy, rolling with resistance, and supporting self-efficacy.

Review Questions

• How does motivational interviewing help in engaging reluctant sources during interviews?
  • Motivational interviewing helps engage reluctant sources by creating a non-confrontational atmosphere that encourages open dialogue. By using techniques like open-ended questions and reflective listening, interviewers can build trust and make sources feel more comfortable. This approach allows sources to explore their ambivalence about sharing information and articulates their own reasons for change, making them more likely to engage in the conversation.
• Discuss the role of empathy in motivational interviewing and how it impacts the outcome of an interview.
  • Empathy plays a crucial role in motivational interviewing as it helps build rapport between the interviewer and the source. By demonstrating understanding and validating the source's feelings, the interviewer creates a safe space for sharing thoughts and emotions. This connection increases the likelihood that sources will open up about their concerns or reluctance, ultimately leading to a more productive exchange of information.
• Evaluate how the principles of motivational interviewing can transform traditional interviewing techniques when dealing with uncooperative sources.
  • The principles of motivational interviewing can significantly transform traditional interviewing techniques by shifting the focus from authority and interrogation to collaboration and understanding. Instead of pressuring sources for information, interviewers using motivational interviewing create a partnership that empowers sources to express their perspectives. This transformation not only helps overcome resistance but also fosters a deeper level of engagement that can yield richer insights and more honest disclosures from uncooperative sources.

Related terms

Ambivalence: The state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something, often complicating the decision-making process.

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, crucial for building rapport and trust during interviews.

Change Talk: A term used in motivational interviewing to describe the client's own expressions of desire, ability, reasons, and need for change.