Motivational interviewing, or MI, is an evidence-based method for promoting behavioral change.
What is Motivational Interviewing?
"MI is a collaborative, goal-oriented communication style [...] It aims to strengthen personal motivation and commitment to a specific goal by eliciting and exploring the individual's own reasons for change in an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion."
That's how the originator put it. (Miller & Rollnick, 2013: Helping People Change.)
Distinguishing features:
MI is a guiding communication style that balances listening with giving advice and information.
The conversational method is designed to strengthen people's ability to change by highlighting their own desires, goals, and values.
MI is based on a respectful and curious attitude towards people. It facilitates the natural change process and respects the client's autonomy.
The professional meets the client as an equal partner and refrains from unwanted advice, confrontation, instructions, and external control. It's therefore not about "making people change" through a set of techniques. MI requires time, practice, and self-awareness on the part of the therapist.
When does MI come into its own?
The principles and skills of MI can be applied in many types of conversations, but they are particularly useful for helping people explore their situation and options when any of the following are true:
Ambivalence : One has mixed feelings about change.
Low self-confidence : The person doubts their ability to change in this area.
The motivation is there, but it's low right now : One is unsure whether they want to make a change, but is interested in exploring it.
There is something to gain : The benefits of change are clear and the disadvantages are manageable.
2 full days
The training course takes place over two full days and is practically oriented, with conversation exercises and feedback.
The course is arranged on request, both locally and digitally. See more on the page Commissioned Training .
