Motivational interviewing is a client-centered approach to counseling that encourages self-reliance and autonomy. It is effective for addiction treatment and other problems. Patients can seek professionals through professional organizations and references. Training is available for therapists to become certified.
Motivational interviewing is an approach to counseling in which the therapist and client collaborate and the therapist encourages the client to establish self-reliance and autonomy. This approach is widely applied in addiction counseling, but it can be useful for treating other problems as well. Patients interested in motivational interviewing as a treatment approach can seek professionals by consulting professional organizations, asking for references, and checking listings in their areas.
This model of therapy is an example of a client-centered approach. The therapist is non-judgmental or confrontational in the session and works with the client, not against him. In a motivational interviewing session, the therapist talks with the individual and encourages them to reach their own realizations about the problem that brings them to therapy. Rather than proposing ideas, the therapist wants the client to come up with concepts independently.
In addiction treatment, for example, rather than meeting with the client to discuss the addiction, the therapist will talk to the client about their drug use, life, and emotional state. Eventually, the client may begin to talk about addiction, creating an opening for a conversation about the need for treatment and the type of options available that he or she might find helpful. This can increase the chances of success as the client must actively opt for treatment, rather than being forced to.
Motivational interviewing sessions require a relationship between patient and therapist, especially if the counseling is required by a court or treatment program. This technique can be effective with resistant patients as long as the therapist is patient and can find a way to reach the client. Patients accustomed to adversarial therapist relationships may feel more comfortable in an environment where they control the conversation and play an active role in therapy. For treatment-resistant patients who don’t do well with other types of therapy, motivational interviewing may be a good option.
Training in this technique is available from a number of institutions that train counselors and therapists. Professionals will have an opportunity for supervised clinical practice. In these sessions, they apply motivational interviewing while an experienced therapist observes and provides guidance. Over time, the intern will become more independent, until they are able to conduct sessions on their own and can apply for certification to become a licensed therapist. Many therapists belong to professional organizations to access networking opportunities and facilitate professional development.
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