A motivational interview is a therapy technique that takes place in a conversation on an equal footing between the practitioner and the patient. Its goal is not to force the patient to change but through conversation to get the client to understand the need for change and develop their ideas of how this change can be achieved (Psychwire, 2019). MI also increases the patient’s motivation for change and eliminates ambivalence when a person cannot choose one of the possible options.
Motivational interviewing implies that the therapist has open questioning, affirming, reflecting, and summarizing (OARS) skills. Open questions require a more detailed answer than ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ For example, when working with patients dependent on alcohol, it is better to ask not how much alcohol a person consumes per day but what role alcohol plays in their lives (Matulich, 2013). In addition, when the patient shares his successes, even insignificant ones, the therapist’s task is to confirm the person’s correctness of his actions and decisions. At the same time, it is essential that affirming be sincere and not excessive; otherwise, it may demotivate the patient.
Reflection is another essential skill that a motivational interview practitioner should have. It is based on attentive listening and understanding the patient through “repeating, rephrasing or offering a deeper guess about what the person is trying to communicate” (Understanding Motivational Interviewing, n.d., para. 22). In addition, the practitioner must be able to sum up everything said and highlight the critical points of the conversation with the patient. The use of OARS helps the therapist and the patient better understand their needs, which is a motivation for subsequent changes.
Thus, the primary purpose of motivational interviews is to motivate the patient to change. The practitioner does not act as an expert who comes with a ready-made solution but as a peer (Welcome to the motivational interviewing network of trainers, n.d.). At the same time, using MI in working with patients requires professionalism and specific skills from the therapist. However, the correct use of MI techniques in therapy can help patients decide about quitting addictions, retiring, and other life-changing moments.
References
Matulich, B. (2013). Introduction to Motivational Interviewing. [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Psychwire (2019). What is Motivational Interviewing? [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Understanding Motivational Interviewing. (n.d.). Web.
Welcome to the motivational interviewing network of trainers. (n.d.). Web.