5 Principles of Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a type of counseling that seeks to enable the client to identify, analyze and resolve ambivalence about a particular problem. MI seeks to change an individual's motivation to perform harmful behavior. It was first discussed by Professor William R. Miller in a 1983 article in, "Behavioral Psychotherapy." In 1991, Professor Stephen Rollnick and Miller wrote, "Motivational Interviewing," which elaborated on five main MI principles.

Generate a Gap

• Dr. David B. Rosengren, of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, details five principles of MI as: Generate a Gap, Roll with Resistance, Avoid Arguing, Can Do and Express Empathy. These are basic ideas and to be able to counsel and help a person, it is best to confer with a person certified in MI techniques. Since these are counseling techniques dealing with people, there is always variety and exceptions to rules. The first principle of generating a gap, means that the session leader empowers the client to describe their goals and values, then has them describe their current condition and behaviors. The client is helped to see that there is a gap between their goals and perception of themselves, and what they are actually doing. An example would be if an overweight person was asked what they wanted to do for a career and they said to model. The therapist may ask the client what is the weight of an average model, then ask the client what her weight is. If the client does not readily see the gap, the therapist may try to clarify it by asking further questions such as, "What is the difference between 200 and 120 pounds?", "How many pounds are you losing each day?" and "How long will it take you to lose 80 pounds with your current exercise program?"

Rolling With Resistance

• The next principle is rolling with resistance, meaning that the session leader should not disagree with the client. If the client is resistant, a new line of questioning or different technique should be employed. If a client is firm that they are not an alcoholic, rather than disagreeing or proving them wrong, a therapist may ask the client how many drinks he thinks an alcoholic takes during the day, then ask how many drinks he takes.

Avoid Arguing and Can Do

• Along the same lines, the next principle of avoiding arguing means not putting labels on the client. Confrontation is not used in MI. The next principle of "can do" means that the counselor's job is to ensure that the client feels she is capable of change. The therapist may show videos or give the client a biography of a person with the same problems who changed themselves. If the client doesn't think they can change, this must be addressed by asking why they think this and elaborating on what is stopping them from changing.

Express Empathy

• The fifth principle, expressing empathy, means that the counselor creates an atmosphere where the client feels inspired and comfortable to be open and honest with the counselor. This is generally accomplished by reflective listening, repeating and understanding what the client is saying. There must be unconditioned positive regard and respect from the therapist to the client. It is counter-intuitive, but true, that if you accept the person, they are more likely to change. If you pressure and make them feel bad enough about not changing, they are less likely to change.