Motivational interviewing (MI) is a patient-centered way of interacting that’s based on principles of humanistic psychology, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach. MI has been applied across various settings and has proven to be a highly effective tool for encouraging change, particularly in the medical field.
“If I can provide a certain type of relationship, the other person will discover within himself the capacity to use that relationship for growth, and change and personal development will occur.”
-Carl Rogers
An MI approach is grounded in the belief that people are ambivalent about change, rather than assuming that they are uneducated, unmotivated, resistant, or weak. This positive view of the “client” is an essential shift that allows for a more optimistic path. MI is an evidence-based, effective strategy for evoking change and is a welcome departure from the didactic, advice-giving approach so common (and ineffective) in medical settings.
Learn more about MI and how it can assist you through the following resources:
- MINT (Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers) hosts many resources, even for non-members.
Need to brush up on your MI knowledge? One of these articles or books may help:
- Positive Psychology article: What Is Motivational Interviewing?
- McGill University overview: Motivational Interviewing Techniques
- Psychological Strategies article: Motivational interviewing techniques: Facilitating behavior change in the general practice setting
- Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick
- Motivational Interviewing in Health Care: Helping Patients Change by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick