Why Is Motivational Interviewing Important?

Developed in the 1990s by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick, motivational interviewing has become an important patient-centered method of counseling that is designed to help treat addictions and to motivate behavioral change. Motivational interviewing emphasizes negotiation over conflict in the counseling relationship, with a focus on developing an individual’s autonomy, confidence and determination for change.

Motivational interviewing encourages a person to develop personal motivation for engaging in the change process. During motivational interviewing, a person will consider why she is resistant or ambivalent to change and then will identify and articulate reasons to change.

An individual will be similarly encouraged to define problems that she is facing and to actively develop solutions for the problems. Motivational interviewing addresses resistance to change by involving a person in the problem-solving process.

Motivational interviewing also promotes autonomy. By holding a person responsible for finding practical solutions to his problems, motivational interviewing supports an individual in developing creative ideas for change. It then encourages his belief that change is possible.

In a motivational interview, a person will be given empathetic, non-argumentative feedback regarding his thoughts, feelings and experiences. This feedback can help a person to feel as if he has been understood and to grow more comfortable with exploring ideas for change.

Motivational interviewing enhances a person’s confidence as well through the regular survey of personal skills and successes. Motivational interviewing involves regularly affirming of a person’s strong points as well as reviewing past accomplishments.