When most of us are faced with a need to change a behavior related to our health, we are ambivalent at first. This is true whether or not you believe you ought to change. In Motivational Interviewing, we begin our conversation with a patient assuming we need to help build motivation for change. Planning for […]
The Style and Spirit of Motivational Interviewing
When we use MI, we are adopting a certain style, which is the opposite of the “just-tell-them-what-to-do”, top down, medical approach. The style is warm and friendly, but that’s just the beginning. First and foremost, this style is collaborative, where the power and control in the relationship is shared. We work together with the client in partnership, […]
Ambivalence in Practice
I was talking recently with my friend Rebecca about her smoking and her feeling guilty about it. She is an intelligent, accomplished and mature woman, who manages her life very well in most areas except this one. She asked me why she can’t “just quit”, as she feels frustrated and guilty about smoking. What a […]
Using a Mindful Approach with Your Clients
Listening skills are among the most important skills in Motivational Interviewing. In workshops and one-to-one coaching to improve MI skills, we emphasize really listening, not just to the words the client uses in conversation, but the meaning behind the words. We think of this as a “highly refined” form of listening. In order to listen […]
Developing Skill in Motivational Interviewing
I receive many requests for information on the best ways to learn MI. Over the years I’ve developed some very effective group training and individual coaching programs. If you are fortunate enough to have the resources (opportunity, time and money), a full day training workshop in MI is ideal. I know that’s not possible for many […]
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