The definition below identifies the common problem that must be resolved in order for change to occur: ambivalence.
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.
Even though there may be numerous reasons for the client to make a change, there will almost always be reasons for the client to continue making similar choices related to a particular behavior. Ambivalence, or having conflicting motivations at the same time, is a normal process when one is considering change. Therefore, our role as the clinician is to keep the client moving through the forest and supporting them through the natural process of resolving ambivalence.
Often, the clinician simply needs to be present with the client as they talk themselves into changing a behavior. And the way we can be of assistance, in helping a client get out of the forest, is by continuing to move through language in the direction of change.
Perhaps the easiest and most direct way for the clinician to increase motivation for change is to ask evocative questions; to ask open ended questions where movement towards change is the answer. If the client is already speaking about changing their behavior, continue to reinforce this talk with affirmations, reflections, and summaries. However, if a client seems to be experiencing a great deal of ambivalence, try asking some of these open ended questions focusing on Desire, Ability, Reasons, and Need:
Desire:
Tell me how you would like for things to change?聽
How do you want your life to be different in a year from now?
Ability:
If you did decide you wanted to make this change, how could you do it?聽
What ideas do you have for how you could make this change happen in your life?
Reasons:
What could be some positives of making this change?聽
What is the downside of how things are for you now?
Need:
How important is it for you to change this behavior?聽
What do you think has to change?
The process of changing one鈥檚 behavior through the use of Motivational Interviewing is not necessarily unique. This is how people typically move towards the change they want in their lives: gradually. And there is something important about speaking aloud in the presence of another and hearing oneself discuss what is most important and how change may be created.
In my experience, it has been an honor and extremely rewarding to be with clients as they navigate this challenging stage and their way out of the forest.
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