People I meet in my MI training work often ask about what they can do next to build on what they have learned, and improve their skills. Once you’ve attended an introductory training, or done some reading and practice or worked with a coach on MI skills, it might be time to consider what you […]
The Function of Empathy in Motivational Interviewing
High levels of empathy are key to the MI guiding style. Empathy has been misunderstood as the expression or demonstration of kindness, agreement, acceptance, or concern for the patient. It is more than that. Empathy is not sympathy, ”poor you”, nor is it “I’ve had the same problem”. In Motivational Interviewing, empathy is simply the demonstration of a keen but neutral curiosity for […]
Managing Patient “Resistance” with MI
If your work involves helping people change their behavior, you have probably encountered a “resistant” client. I put the word in quotes because it implies there is something wrong with them. They are resisting something they should want to change and it’s so very clear to you that it’s true. In Motivational Interviewing, we assume […]
Teaching Dietetic Interns What They Won’t Need to Unlearn
One of my favorite Motivational Interviewing Workshop trainings I do all year is for the dietetic interns of eastern MA. I was trained in Boston in 1971, and would have benefited greatly from a workshop such as the one I now provide. I was taught to teach the diet, and always felt like I was […]
What If You Ask for Permission and Don’t Get It?
In MI training, we emphasize asking permission, before you offer unasked for advice or change the subject. The obvious question, then is what happens if the client’s answer is NO? Here’s an opportunity to make a real connection with the client. A simple response is “Thank you, I really appreciate your honesty with me.” This […]
