Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, directive approach to produce change by enhancing internal motivation and exploring and resolving ambivalence. This approach is best used for those who may desire a change in current behaviour that may not be effective in outcome or desire to learn a more effective behaviour for whatever change they are seeking. MI works on the premise that people are motivated by desire for growth and self-determination and that everyone strives towards that potential. 

Common issues Motivational Interviewing can treat

Motivational Interviewing has been found to be an effective treatment for:

  • Substance abuse problems

  • Weight loss

  • Improving adherence to medical treatment

  • HIV risk behaviours

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Gambling

  • Schizophrenia spectrum disorders

  • Adolescents

  • Adults

How can Motivational Interviewing help me?

Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative process with the client (you). It provides a relationship that is warm and accepting, honors your expertise and perspective, and assists with helping you reach their goals. Goals are drawn from you, rather than instilled by the therapist. Advice or information given by the therapist are only provided when you give permission.

MI recognizes that you are autonomous and responsible for change, and the therapist's role is to hold hope for you to do so by affirming strengths, personal resources and respecting your autonomy and expertise to do so. You are free to make the decision to change, or not.

How quickly does Motivational Interviewing work?

There is no absolute answer — it depends on where you are in the stages of change! It also depends on many factors surrounding the behaviour. If you chooses to not change, this will not be effective. If you have high motivation to change, things will begin to change immediately.

It's important to understand that changing a behaviour takes time and may include relapses, all of which are part of the process in change. This type of therapy tends to be used with other types of therapy such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Psychologists who offer Motivational Interviewing

Many of our therapists in Edmonton have received training in Motivational Interviewing and can offer therapy based in this modality, such as:

Featured
Liat Habinski
Liat Habinski

M.Sc., M.Ed., Registered Psychologist, Waitlisting

Charlene Frank
Charlene Frank

M.S.W., Registered Clinical Social Worker, Not accepting new clients

Monika Sawka
Monika Sawka

M.A., M.Ed., Registered Psychologist, Canadian Certified Counsellor (C.C.C.), Waitlisting

Rosa Gregory
Rosa Gregory

M.S.W., Registered Clinical Social Worker, Waitlisting

Ellen Klaver
Ellen Klaver

M.Ed., Registered Psychologist, Waitlisting

If you’d like to book an appointment or learn more about MI, please contact us today.