There have been many definitions offered of Motivational Interviewing. Most of them are very similar, and generally, have the same basic components. The definition I prefer to use is one offered by the founders, Bill Miller and Stephen Rollnick:
Motivational Interviewing is a person-centered counseling style for addressing the common problem of ambivalence about change. It is designed to strengthen an individual鈥檚 motivation for and movement toward a specific goal by eliciting and exploring the person鈥榮 own reasons for change within an atmosphere of acceptance, collaboration, and compassion.
The first aspect to consider in working with a client is to be aware of how difficult change is for all of us. When we think about changing a behavior, especially one that we have been doing consistently for years, it can feel intimidating and overwhelming. For example, think about a change you have made in your life, perhaps related to your health:
Were you able to make some progress?
Were you able to completely achieve your goal?
Were you able to achieve your goal on the first try?
Many of us know from personal experience that behavior change is usually challenging, and can often take multiple attempts to become successful. Everyone is different, and some people will be able to make rapid changes, but for most of us, adopting a new behavior will take time. By being aware of our own experience related to behavior change, it can often allow us to be more compassionate, understanding, and patient with a client.
Next month, we will focus on person-centered counseling, another component of Motivational Interviewing.
For more information about motivational interviewing or related services, contact Eunice Akinyi Okumu, by phone (919) 843-2532, or by email, eunice_okumu@med.unc.edu