What Is Motivational Interviewing?

There are several counseling practices and treatments that can help individuals struggling with substance use disorder (SUD). Often, this includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group counseling, and dual diagnosis treatment. Another popular tool that helps those pursuing recovery from active addiction is motivational interviewing. This evidence-based approach can effectively help clients change their behaviors, ultimately allowing them to achieve a life of sobriety. 

Many clients enjoy motivational interviewing because it meets them where they are. Whether individuals are months into the recovery process or just starting out, motivational interviewing can be instrumental in augmenting their recovery journey. Continue reading to learn more about motivational interviewing and its benefits, and contact West Coast Recovery Centers to begin your sobriety journey today! 

What Is Motivational Interviewing?

An online resource provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes motivational interviewing as a more effective, alternative form of counseling. W. Miller and S. Rollnick – the authors of Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People to Change – describe this technique as a "client-centered, directive method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by explaining and resolving ambivalence.” The practice appeals to client's beliefs and values, motivating them to enact behavioral change. Again, it meets clients where they are, which is invaluable to building trust between clients and clinicians, strengthening the success of long-term treatment outcomes. 

The aforementioned publication by SAMHSA also outlines the core principles that lay the foundation of motivational interviewing. These include:

• Expressing empathy: Empathic clinicians create safe, comfortable spaces for clients, which strengthens the therapeutic relationship 
• Supporting self-efficacy: Empowers clients by focusing on their strengths 
• Rolling with resistance: Allows clients to express the reason behind their desire to change, ultimately reducing resistance on their part 
• Developing discrepancy: Helps clients recognize and acknowledge where they are and bridge to where they want to be based on their values, beliefs, and goals 

How Is This Practice Used in Therapy?

Implementing this practice into therapy can be done seamlessly. As a person-centered counseling tool, interviewing within therapy sessions addresses a person's uncertainties regarding change. Therapists are already asking their clients about their lives, struggles, and what changes they hope to make. Incorporating this practice into sessions only requires a few extra steps. 

Some professionals will consider asking their clients open-ended questions, emphasizing reflective listening, and not taking action too quickly. Additionally, therapists often encourage clients while determining if they're ready for change, and then identify goals. Lastly, therapists can summarize the information a client offers to show them that they are listening and interested in learning more about their perspective. 

What Are the Benefits of Motivational Interviewing?

Of course, most therapeutic practices are most effective when combined with other evidence-based modalities and or holistic addiction treatment practices. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery. Addiction treatment should be tailored to each client, and what works for some may not work for all. So, motivational interviewing may not be as effective for each and every client that walks through the door. However, some of the potential benefits individuals can experience in response to motivational interviewing include:

• Increased self-confidence and a client's ability to trust themselves 
• Changed behaviors and patterns that are healthier and conducive to sobriety 
• Improved decision-making skills that help enact positive change 
• Teachers clients to take accountability and responsibility for future actions 
• Provides clients with a sense of empowerment in the changes they're making 
• Encourages increased client participation in the treatment process 
• Reduces risk of relapse and improves client's receptiveness to treatment 

These are just some of the benefits you might see when undergoing motivational interviewing. However, let's ponder what these benefits mean for individuals striving for a long-term solution to their active struggle with substance use. 

The Efficacy of Motivational Interviewing as a Tool for Long-Term Addiction Recovery

As mentioned, the ultimate goal of motivational interviewing is helping and motivating clients to enact change in their lives. At the end of the day, the ultimate goal of addiction recovery is for clients to make the changes necessary for avoiding substance use and maintaining sustainable sobriety. Motivational interviewing helps clients do this long-term. With this practice, clients overcome their fears of treatment and ambivalence of changes while empowering them to begin their treatment journey. 

Additionally, motivational interviewing can help clients enact change in other areas of their lives. For example, it can help people improve their mental health and make healthier life changes that promote physical wellness. Addiction recovery is about so much more than abstaining from substance use, it's about wellness. Motivational interviewing may be the ultimate tool for helping people achieve a better sense of wellness, but only if they give it a try. 

For more information about motivational interviewing, improving mental health, or seeking addiction treatment, contact West Coast Recovery Centers today. We implement a number of clinical modalities that help clients achieve sustainable sobriety. Call or visit our website to learn more today! 

There are many counseling tools and therapeutic modalities clinicians use to help their clients free themselves from active addiction and achieve sustainable sobriety. That often includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group and family counseling, and substance abuse psychoeducation. However, another effective tool that empowers clients to make the changes needed to live free of active addiction is motivational interviewing. Motivational interviewing is a counseling tool that helps people change their behaviors through conversation. By asking open-ended questions, emphasizing reflective listening, and identifying goals, therapists can support their clients in overcoming ambivalence surrounding change. To learn more about motivational interviewing and other effective addiction treatments, call West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509 today.