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Motivational Interviewing

explanatory Essay
925 words
925 words
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This paper will discuss what motivational interviewing is , who developed motivational interviewing and why it was developed. In addition, the most important aspects of motivational interviewing will be covered. Furthermore, the paper will discuss how I hope to use motivational interviewing in the future. At the conclusion of the paper the reader should have a better understanding of motivational interviewing.

Definition of Motivational Interviewing

“Motivational interviewing was introduced by Dr. William R. Miller in 1983, to help problem drinkers prepare for treatment and has been developed in collaboration with Dr. Stephen Rollnick. Motivational interviewing is a client centered directive method of communication for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by helping people to explore and work through ambivalence. (Miller &Rollnick,2002).” This definition simply means that motivational interviewing is a method that uses the techniques taught by Carl Rodgers, such as empathy, positive regard, and congruence all of which lead to a collaborative relationship between the counselor and the client. This supportive and collaborative relationship will enable the client to open up and have honest discussions with the counselor. Therefore, the counselor will be able to help the client recognize:

1) The advantages and disadvantages of changing their negative behavior

2) Whether they are capable of changing their negative behavior

3) Whether or not they intend to change their negative behavior

The counselor accomplishes the above by expressing empathy, developing discrepancies, going along with resistance and supporting self-efficacy. Moreover, the counselor guides the client toward a solution that will lead to permanent posi...

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...ore, motivational interviewing encourages the counselor to use affirmations which is something that most likely is missing from the teenager’s life. I also feel that motivational interviewing will be helpful when counseling a wide range of individuals.

Conclusion

Motivational interviewing is based on a client centered approach to therapy that uses open-ended questions, affirmation, reflective listening and summaries to help the client recognize the pros and cons of change and their reasons for resisting change thereby eliminating their ambivalence about change. Once the client deals with their ambivalence the Miller and Rollick believe that the client will be able to make the necessary changes. In addition, motivational interviewing gets the client to argue for change not the counselor. Furthermore, the client not the counselor is responsible for their progress.

In this essay, the author

  • Describes the key aspects of motivational interviewing and how they hope to use it in the future.
  • Explains that motivational interviewing is a client-centered directive method of communication for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by helping people explore and work through ambivalence.
  • Explains that the counselor accomplishes the above by expressing empathy, developing discrepancies, going along with resistance and supporting self-efficacy. the counselor guides the client toward a solution that will lead to permanent positive change in behavior.
  • Explains that motivational interviewing has been used successfully with court-ordered, angry and minority clients, alcohol and substance use problems, eating disorders, in an offender rehabilitation program, hiv prevention program and with clients with anxiety disorders.
  • Opines that motivational interviewing would work well with troubled teenagers in the future, especially children taking part in risky behaviors. teenagers use anger or act out in ways that will draw negative attention when experiencing a problem.
  • Explains that motivational interviewing is based on a client centered approach to therapy that uses open-ended questions, affirmation, reflective listening and summaries to help the client recognize the pros and cons of change.
  • Explains that motivational interviewing can be used before treatment is begun, integrated with other counseling techniques, or used as a stand alone therapy. the counselor helps by getting the client to examine both the pros and cons of changing or not changing their behavior.
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