Motivational Interviewing Flashcards
What is Motivational Interviewing?
“MI is a collaborative, goal-oriented style of communication with particular attention to the language of change. It is designed to strengthen personal motivation for and commitment to a specific goal by eliciting and exploring the person’s own reasons for change within an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion.” (Miller & Rollnick, 2013, p. 29)
What are key qualities of MI?
MI is a guiding style of communication, that sits between following (good listening) and directing (giving information and advice).
MI is designed to empower people to change by drawing out their own meaning, importance and capacity for change.
MI is based on a respectful and curious way of being with people that facilitates the natural process of change and honors client autonomy.
MI is not…
A way to ‘get people to change’ or a method to impose on a conversation
When is MI most useful?
When: Ambivalence is high Confidence is low Desire is low Importance is low
What does ‘ambivalence is high’ mean?
The person is stuck in mixed feelings about change
What does ‘confidence is low’ mean?
The person doubts their abilities to change
What does ‘desire is low’ mean?
The person is uncertain about whether they want to make a change
What does ‘importance is low’ mean?
The benefits of change and disadvantages of the current situation are unclear to the person
In what spirit is MI practiced?
A spirit of Partnership, Evocation, Acceptance, and Compassion
What does Partnership mean?
MI is a collaborative process. The MI practitioner is an expert in helping people change; people are the experts of their own lives.
What does Evocation mean? (MI)
People have within themselves resources and skills needed for change. MI draws out the person’s priorities, values, and wisdom to explore reasons for change and support success.
What does Acceptance mean? (MI)
The MI practitioner takes a nonjudgmental stance, seeks to understand the person’s perspectives and experiences, expresses empathy, highlights strengths, and respects a person’s right to make informed choices about changing or not changing.
What does Compassion mean?
The MI practitioner actively promotes and prioritizes clients’ welfare and wellbeing in a selfless manner.
What are the core skills of MI? (OARS AE)
Open questions Affirmation Reflections Summarizing Attending to the Language of Change Exchange of Information
Why use Open Questions?
They draw out and explore the person’s experiences, perspectives, and ideas. Evocative questions guide the client to reflect on how change may be meaningful or possible.
