Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a type of therapy that focuses on developing and encouraging motivation from within the patient as a catalyst to change behavior. MI was developed by Miller and Rollnick and is frequently used for patients with substance abuse issues. Importance is placed on goals and focusing on the patient (which is called client-centered therapy). Resolving issues of ambivalence is important as is no judgments or confrontations from the therapist. There needs to be total acceptance of the patient. The therapist is there to help them change themselves.