Category: MI Core Skills

When MI was originally developed, the purpose was to support a client in strengthening both motivation and commitment to making a change. And even though we are present there with the client, the ultimate choice of whether to make a change is up to them. In some situations, it may...

If we are working with a client, and it appears that they are not ambivalent about changing their behavior, don’t be so sure. It may be that someone, who is important to them, has suggested that they consider making a change. Oftentimes, it is an employer, dear friend, family member,...

In a therapeutic counseling setting, there can be times when the client does not appear motivated to change their behavior. Therefore, it can be a natural instinct on behalf of the clinician to try to educate and persuade the client in order for change to occur. What we know, however,...

There may be many reasons why a client wants to maintain the status quo and not change their behavior. The client may be very clear as to why they do not believe making a change is in their best interest. In some situations, there also may be little or no...

When it appears there is little motivation on behalf of the client or you are not hearing much change talk, one strategy is to hear from them what it is that they do want. By opening up the conversation in this way, it provides an opportunity to not only build...

There are times when we are working with our clients, where we think there will be some change, and then the client ultimately chooses to maintain the status quo. We may have invested a great deal of time and energy, but we realize the importance of acknowledging and respecting the...

When a client is in the process of making a change, and exploring ambivalence, it can be extremely intense. They may clearly see the benefits of the change but also the amount of effort that may be involved. The client may feel that it is just easier, and safer, to...

In many situations where someone is attempting to change a behavior, there is often discomfort. Even though most of us know, that once a change is made, we often feel much better. This process of making a change can be extremely difficult. The client can get stuck and go back...

The concept of developing discrepancy has been used since the very beginning of motivational interviewing. It can be a very strong motivational factor for many clients as they consider changing a behavior. The idea is to explore the client’s current behavior and where they would prefer to be. For example,...

In counseling situations where there is a change goal for the client, there is likely ambivalence too. Therefore, the clinician has a decision to make. Should the clinician remain neutral or support movement in a particular direction? A different approach would be needed for the clinician in each situation. In...

As we have learned, MI has been developed to strengthen a person’s motivation for and commitment to making a particular change in their lives. And our role as counselors, is to guide them in making a choice. However, we are also aware that making a choice is always left up...

We started the conversation about the importance of confidence in behavior change. And an example was provided where the client wants to make a change but doesn’t have the confidence. The first way suggested to support someone with a lack of confidence was by asking open ended questions. This approach...