How to Apply Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing is a client-centered therapy to encourage clients to change their behaviors. This type of counseling is goal-oriented and specific. The goal of motivational interviewing is to resolve apathy and help the client out of her current mindset. Many practitioners take extra training on motivational interviewing in order to improve their skills and learn how to implement the strategies. Applying motivational interviewing to your counseling sessions can be very effective in treatment modalities.

Instructions

• 1

  Encourage the client to talk. Ask for permission to talk to the client, such as, "Do you mind if we discuss your family?" This will help the client open up. It utilizes a motivational interviewing strategy called asking permission.

• 2

  Empathize with the client. Show understanding for what the client is going through. Reflect back to the client what she is saying in order to show that you are listening.

• 3

  Point out any discrepancies you note between the client's current actions and future goals. Presenting this information to the client will enable her to see discrepancies in her behavior and desires. This will help the client understand that she can change.

• 4

  Support the client's new-found independence. Recognize the client's strengths and accomplishments. This enhances the belief to the client that she is capable of making significant long-term changes in her behavior, thus avoiding negative choices.