Motivational Interviewing

What is Motivational Interviewing (MI)?

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered therapeutic technique focusing on behavioral changes. In this collaborative approach, you and your therapist work toward identifying your own reasons for recovery. This can fuel motivation to change, driving your recovery process forward.

First developed in the 1980s by Dr. William R. Miller, MI takes an interpersonal approach to motivation. It considers motivation as a teachable mindset instead of a personality trait.

Three concepts involved in MI include:

1. Sessions are called interviews. This emphasizes a collaborative process.
2. Patients create their own goals. The therapist encourages you to create your own goals instead of suggesting or implying certain goals.
3. The patient maintains their autonomy. MI works toward empowering each individual rather than merely taking the therapist’s advice. This allows the patient to take charge of making any necessary changes, which is essential for a lasting recovery.

Ultimately, when you take responsibility for your actions and feel confident in your goals, you will be more likely to succeed with your sobriety. However, it’s worth noting that MI doesn’t involve digging into past traumas or addressing mental illness. At Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC), for this reason, we combine MI with various other treatment approaches. For example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help address co-existing mental health conditions.

Additionally, your treatment plan may include our 12-step facilitation therapies, mindfulness, medically assisted treatments, health and wellness strategies, group therapy, and more. Each treatment plan is unique to the individual and their specific needs. With FRC, we’re here to meet you where you’re at. Together, we can determine the best path forward.

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Four Processes Involved in Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Motivational Interviewing (MI) focuses on inspiring those who may be reluctant to change. Through this interview process, you're guided on identifying your goals and taking steps toward them. To achieve this, MI typically follows these four processes:

1. Engaging

This involves establishing a trusting relationship between you and your therapist. This initial stage will include getting to know you and your specific situation.

2. Focusing

Recovery is often sought out by the individual—or by family or a judge. While some individuals may already have goals, others may be unsure. Thus, the second step of MI is determining the focus and goals of recovery.

3. Evoking

This phase helps uncover your motivations for change. You’ll pinpoint your reasons or arguments, instilling a sense of confidence and empowerment along the way.

4. Planning

This is the most important step for long-term and lasting recovery. During this stage, you determine how this change will look, even post-treatment. This may involve discussing or learning coping skills to facilitate this change in your daily life.

Benefits of Motivational Interviewing (MI) for Addiction Recovery

For true recovery to take place, it must come from within. This means uncovering your own reasons and motivations for change. Motivational Interviewing (MI) achieves this through the following benefits.

Empowers Personal Change

With MI, you can work through any mixed feelings about recovery and uncover your own personal reasons for change. These motivations become a guiding force, supporting you through every step of your recovery journey.

Supports Individual Autonomy

MI removes external pressures. Motivation and willingness to change come down to the individual and their own internal beliefs. This can lead to a stronger commitment, preventing relapse and ensuring lasting change.

Sets the Stage for Lasting Motivation

The intrinsic factors involved in MI lead to a higher likelihood of a sustained recovery. This can help prevent relapse and help individuals truly regain control of the direction of their lives.

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Why Choose Freedom Recovery Centers

At FRC, we are committed to not being just another “treatment facility.” Our addiction center in Richmond, Virginia provides comfortable beds, high-quality and nutritious food, a massage clinic, a nail salon, a gym, basketball courts, and more. Our team understands the importance of igniting joy and purpose throughout the recovery process. To us, you’re not just a number but a person with goals, hopes, and dreams.

The FRC team provides caring, compassionate, and expert care every step of the way. Whenever you’re ready, our team is available 24/7 to answer your call and help you get the care you need and deserve.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) for Sustained Recovery

It’s not just about achieving sobriety but also maintaining it. At FRC, we understand that recovery is a complex and intricate process. Together, we can uncover your goals and motivations and remind you of them as you navigate your journey. Contact us today to get started.

FAQs

What are Motivational Interviewing (MI) examples?

Examples of motivational interviewing questions include:

• What attempts have you made to improve your situation?
• How might you improve?
• How can I help you with ______?
• How would you like to be different?
• What are good things about ______?

What is OARS?

OARS is the type of communication used during the MI process. It stands for:

• Open Questions: Your therapist will stick to primarily open-ended questions to encourage the sharing of information.
• Affirmations: Your therapist will use statements that encourage your commitment to change and also help identify strengths.
• Reflective Listening: This involves your therapist summarizing what you’ve learned or making informed guesses regarding your thoughts or feelings.
• Summarizing: When you’ve shared information, your therapist will likely summarize it to ensure they understand.

Can Motivational Interviewing (MI) help in treatment-resistant addiction?

Yes, Motivational Interviewing (MI) can help individuals with treatment-resistant addiction. It plays a powerful role in ensuring you’re driven by intrinsic motivators. However, everyone’s recovery journey is different, and MI may not work the same for each person.

Is Motivational Interviewing (MI) a CBT technique?

Sometimes, Motivational Interviewing (MI) is used as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) technique. But it’s worth noting that these are also two slightly different approaches. MI works to change behavior by increasing intrinsic motivation. CBT works to help individuals change their behavior by identifying its connection to their thoughts and feelings.