Guide to Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing is a technique that uses a dialogue between a counselor and a client who needs to change behaviors in her life. The purpose of this technique is to be non-confrontational, non-adversarial and non-judgmental. Although slower, it is more effective than a confrontational method.

Open-Ended Questions.

The object of a motivational interview is to ask questions that the client can't answer with a yes, no or a short answer. The object is to have the client answer with an explanation. This method encourages the person to come forward and address the issue they want to change. Allow the client to see the reason they should change themselves.

Reflective Listening

One of the interviewer's key responsibilities is to listen. This will help the counselor know what has worked for the client in the past and what hasn't. By knowing this, the counselor can guide the client to positive behavior. With positive responses, keep the client talking in the same direction. If the responses are negative, the counselor should redirect and try to get back to the problem.

Summaries

The idea of the summary is to go over what has been discussed. Point out the positives and negatives. During the summary, ask the client if he thinks the counselor understands what he has discussed.

References

• Motivational Interviewing: Interaction Techniques
• Institute for Family Development: Motivational Interviewing in the Homebuilders Model
• American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education: Learning Motivational Interviewing: Scripting a Virtual Patient