Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing is a psychotherapeutic approach that attempts to move an individual away from a state of indecision or uncertainty, and toward finding motivation to making positive decisions and accomplishing established goals.

Motivation is essential for progression in substance use disorder treatment, so a lack of motivation can impede the process and hamper success. Motivational interviewing therapy is a non-confrontational, collaborative effort between therapist and the individual to spark motivation and initiate change. Rather than acting in an antagonistic or combative way, the therapist engages with the client to explore his feelings, including ambivalence about changing, and help the client find his own motivations. The therapist becomes a person of support, allowing the client to make their own choices and arrive at their own conclusions without feeling outside pressure to do so.