Brief Description of Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing is a fairly new practice that was first described by William R. Miller, Ph.D. in a comprehensive article published in 1983. Over a decade later, the main framework for motivational interviewing was further developed.

Definition of Motivational Interviewing

According to a book written by William R. Miller entitled: Motivational Interviewing: preparing people to change addictive behavior, "motivational interviewing is a directive, client-centered counseling style for eliciting behavior change by helping clients to explore and resolve ambivalence."

A Goal-Directed Approach

Motivational interviewing is much different then most non-directive counseling programs. The process has a central goal and purpose that the counselor is intentionally moving the client toward.

Motivation Comes From the Client

This interviewing style is not led by the counselor. Instead the counselor identifies the values and goals that come from the client. This approach believes that the client's own goals will better stimulate change.

A Quiet and Non-Confrontational Approach

No tough love or confrontational questioning is used in motivational interviewing. This can cause this approach to be an extremely slow process as clients have to come to their own revelations over time.

The Overall Relationship is One of Companionship

Since the counselor does not assume a demonstrative leadership role, the entire process is much more like a partnership.

References

• What is Motivational Interviewing?
• "Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People to Change Addictive Behavior;" William R. Miller, Stephen Rollnick; 1991