Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing is a client-centered counseling style for encouraging negative behavior changes which include addictions and substance use disorders.
Motivational interviewing (MI) is a counseling approach by a directive, client-centered counseling style for eliciting behavior change by helping clients to explore and resolve ambivalence; an evidence-based approach to behavior change. It’s often used in addiction treatment and our facility has therapists well-educated in motivational interviewing for treating drug abuse and alcoholism.
What is Ambivalence?
Ambivalence is the feeling of being aware of the dangers of substance-using behavior but continues to use substances anyway. Wanting to stop using substances, but at the same time not wanting to. Also entering treatment programs but claiming the problems are not all that serious.
Our motivational interviewing program for substance use disorders is a way to interact with clients that abuse substances, where they realize their capabilities for exercising free choice and changing through a process of self-actualization.
We practice motivational interviewing with five general principles in mind:
- Express empathy through reflective listening.
- Develop discrepancy between clients’ goals or values and their current behavior.
- Avoid argument and confrontation.
- Adjust to client resistance rather than opposing it directly.
- Support self-efficacy and optimism.
While the principles and skills of motivational interviewing are useful in a wide range of conversations, motivational interviewing for treationg addiction is particularly useful to help people examine their situation and options when any of the following are present:
- Ambivalence is high and people are stuck in mixed feelings about the change
- Confidence is low and people doubt their abilities to change
- Desire is low and people are uncertain about whether they want to make a change
- The importance is low and the benefits of change and disadvantages of the current situation are unclear.
What is the Goal of Motivational Interviewing?
The goal is to see the following changes in the way the client talks and moves towards change and hopefully predict future success:
- Commitment – The client says things such as, “I will” or “I promise.” These statements make it more likely the person will do something.
- Activation – The client makes statements that signal they are ready, willing, and prepared to make a change; however, they may not yet be fully committed.
- Taking steps – The person says something to the therapist that indicates they have taken a step toward change, for example attending an AA meeting or checking into rehab.
Motivational Interviewing at On Call Treatment
At On Call Treatment, we offer alternative treatment options to individuals and families who have been affected by substance abuse and need professional care as quickly as possible. During this unprecedented time, many individuals are more apprehensive than ever before about checking themselves into a medical detox facility or inpatient rehab. In response to this widespread concern, we have developed a unique recovery program centered around flexibility and adaptability.
Not only is our in-person, over the phone, or virtual services available to individuals who have been struggling with substance abuse, but to their family members as well. Healing as a unit is important to the maintenance of long-term sobriety. We work to restore healthy family functioning to families that have been ravaged by the reality of active addiction. Our main goal is to provide comprehensive clinical care to men and women in the state of Massachusetts and all surrounding areas – clinical care that they might not otherwise have access to.
