Motivational Interviewing: Empowering you to Take Charge of Your Life

Motivational Interviewing is a powerful, client-centered technique widely used in healthcare to encourage positive behavior change. Whether your goal is to manage chronic illness, adopt healthier habits, or struggling with consistency, motivational interviewing can assist due to its ability to help with building trust, strengthening engagement, and improving outcomes.

Motivational interviewing focuses on enhancing a person’s internal motivation to make meaningful changes. It is particularly useful in areas where ambivalence or uncertainty may interfere with treatment adherence or lifestyle adjustments.

What Is Motivational Interviewing?

Motivational Interviewing is a structured yet conversational approach that helps clients resolve ambivalence about behavior change. Rather than directing or instructing, clinicians using motivational interviewing collaborate with clients, guiding them to explore their own reasons for change in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.

Key principles of motivational interviewing include:

  • Expressing empathy through reflective listening
  • Developing discrepancy between current behavior and health goals
  • Rolling with resistance, not confronting it

Supporting self-efficacy and confidence in change

Applications of Motivational Interviewing in Healthcare

If you are participating in EMDR therapy, you can expect your therapist to begin by gathering history about your background, childhood, and other relevant information to assist with identifying issues of concern and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. They will likely teach you grounding techniques and distress tolerance skills to help you stay regulated throughout the process. After you have skills in your toolbox to self-soothe, your therapist will begin the assessment process. During this process, your therapist will assist you in identifying distressing memories, events, and triggers and work to desensitize them through the use of bilateral stimulation. This process is collaborative and is heavily monitored by the therapist to avoid flooding or an over whelm of emotion. Weekly sessions are highly recommended to get the most out of your EMDR sessions.

Benefits of Motivational Interviewing in Healthcare Settings

  • Improved patient engagementand satisfaction
  • Increased adherenceto treatment plans and medications
  • Better health outcomesacross a variety of conditions
  • More efficient and meaningful patient-provider interactions

Research has shown that motivational interviewing is effective in both short-term consultations and long-term care management. It is versatile and can be used in-person, over the phone, or via telehealth platforms.