I hope there have been some interesting and helpful posts along the way. I like to think of MI as a conversation about the possibility of change, integration, or adherence of a new behavior where we empower and support the client in creating the change they want in their lives. As a clinician, I always want this change to be sustainable since we are often only with a client for a short period of time. I also believe MI does such a great job of providing numerous techniques and strategies so the client is working harder than the clinician.
If I could offer a few key aspects of MI (there are always more), I think they would be:
- The importance of building a meaningful therapeutic relationship with the client. It appears to me that the relationship can be just as important, if not more, than the approach we use.
- Curiosity and coming to each session not having any preconceived ideas of how the session may unfold. Always be open to the “option of surprise” even if the clinician has known the client for a long time.
- Being the learner and allowing the client to teach you about who they are and share their life experiences. Trusting that the client knows themselves better than anyone else.
- We never know when someone will be ready to change, and we must trust the timing. We all know that if we try to force someone before they are ready, it will usually not go well.
- The communication skills and techniques of OARS, Asking for permission, Elicit-Provide-Elicit, and the Importance and Confidence Rulers can take a clinician a long way in supporting our clients and hearing them talk themselves into the change they want.
- Having a structure of the 4 Processes: Engagement, Focus, Evoking/Empowerment, and Planning can be a great guide for keeping things on track and moving forward. It doesn’t mean it is a linear process but rather the territory to cover along the way.
- Lastly, being yourself and trusting the process. I think clients can tell when a clinician is genuine, caring, and has their best interest at heart.
There is much more I could say about MI and the way it can transform a therapeutic relationship but the best way, in my opinion, is to experience it for yourself. This approach has provided me with some of the most profound interactions I have ever had with another human being, and I am grateful these clients have trusted me with their strength and vulnerability.
I look forward to continuing to use MI and to always improve my skills. I know I will never be finished learning, and many thanks to the founders of MI whom I have such a great deal of appreciation and respect: Bill Miller and Stephen Rollnick. I hope everyone is doing as well as possible and you have opportunities to use and practice motivational interviewing. Be well.
Motivational Interviewing Beyond UNC
I am often asked about Motivational Interviewing resources by practitioners and wanted to share the two that I usually turn to for knowledge and demonstrations. The first is Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change Fourth Edition by Bill Miller and Stephen Rollnick (https://www.guilford.com/books/Motivational-Interviewing/Miller-Rollnick/9781462552795). The book introduces the 4 processes of MI and ways to integrate MI into everyday practice. Another resource is the DVD set (https://shop.changecompanies.net/collections/books-and-videos) that was based on the book listed above. The two DVD set includes 6 hours of video and 14 example interviews. Two great resources for anyone experienced or new to Motivational Interviewing.
For more information about Motivational Interviewing resources, Eunice Akinyi Okumu, by phone (919) 843-2532, or by email, eunice_okumu@med.unc.edu.