Introduction
Therapies play a crucial role in helping individuals overcome various mental and behavioral challenges. Several types of therapies are available, each with its unique approach, techniques, and benefits. The case of two people who wish to stop eating junk food is suitable for testing the therapies. In such a scenario, using motivational interviewing (MI) and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can be particularly helpful.
Motivational Interviewing
MI is a client-centered, goal-oriented therapy that aims to enhance the client’s motivation to change. The therapist’s role is to engage in a dialogue with the client, explore their thoughts and feelings, and help them connect their current behavior and desired outcomes (Soucy et al., 2021). With the proper support and guidance, integrating MI and CBT can help these individuals break free from the cycle of unhealthy food consumption and lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
In this case, the therapist first engages in a dialogue with the two individuals to understand their reasons for wanting to stop eating junk food and what challenges they face in doing so. The therapist then helps the individuals to identify their core values and the benefits of making a change. This process increases the individual’s motivation to change and prepares them for the next step, CBT.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
It is a goal-oriented, structured therapy whose focus is to help the client recognize the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and how this affects their well-being (Muir et al., 2021). The therapist in this situation aids the two individuals in adopting healthier, more positive alternatives by identifying and transforming their negative thoughts and behaviors related to junk food consumption. For example, they may identify thoughts such as “I cannot resist junk food” and replace them with “I can choose healthy options.”
Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action and Maintenance Stages
Pre-Contemplation Stage
Based on change theory, the therapist can assist individuals in their behavior change journey at each stage. During the pre-contemplation stage, individuals must be ready to change their behavior during this stage. The therapist helps the individuals increase their awareness of the negative consequences of junk food consumption and how it affects their well-being.
Contemplation and Preparation Stages
People are considering making a change in the contemplation stage. The therapist aids the individuals in evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of altering their behavior and delving into their reflections and emotions regarding the change. Individuals are ready to take action during the preparation phase. The clinician may help the individuals develop a plan for changing their behavior, including setting achievable goals and creating a support system.
Action and Maintenance Stages
In the action phase, people actively change their behavior, and the therapist may provide support and encouragement as the individuals work towards their goals. People have successfully changed their behavior and are working to maintain their new behavior in the maintenance step. The people may receive help from the therapist recognizing hindrances to maintaining their newly adopted behavior and developing plans to forestall relapse.
Conclusion
Integrating MI and CBT is a practical approach to helping individuals overcome various challenges, including junk food consumption. MI helps to enhance the individual’s motivation to change, and CBT helps to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors. By incorporating Change theory, the therapist can provide a structured and effective intervention at each stage of the change process, ensuring that the individual is supported throughout the journey to a healthier and happier life.
References
Muir, H. J., Constantino, M. J., Coyne, A. E., Westra, H. A., & Antony, M. M. (2021). Integrating responsive motivational interviewing with cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) for generalized anxiety disorder: Direct and indirect effects on interpersonal outcomes. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 31(1), 54–69. Web.
Soucy, J. N., Hadjistavropoulos, H. D., Karin, E., Dear, B. F., & Titov, N. (2021). Brief online motivational interviewing pre-treatment intervention for enhancing internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy: A randomized controlled trial. Internet Interventions, 25. Web.