What is Motivational Interviewing? A Collaborative Approach to Change
July 24, 2025Motivational Interviewing (MI) helps people move from uncertainty to action. It focuses on collaboration, not confrontation.
Therapists use MI to guide conversations about change. Instead of telling clients what to do, they help clients discover their own reasons to grow.
This approach helps clients build motivation for change from within. It respects a clients’ right to make their own choices and set their own goals.
When Do Therapists Use Motivational Interviewing?
Therapists use MI in many situations, including:
- Substance use recovery
- Managing anxiety or depression
- Health behaviour change (like smoking or diet)
- Building motivation for therapy
- Court-ordered or mandated counselling
People often benefit when they feel unsure, stuck, or unmotivated.
How Does Motivational Interviewing Work?
Motivational Interviewing relies on four key principles:
- Express empathy – Therapists listen closely and respond without judgment. Feeling heard and understood is an important foundation in therapy.
- Develop discrepancy – Therapists help clients explore how current behaviours differ from personal values. Value can serve as a guidepost for where to go and the work that needs to be done to live in line with values.
- Roll with resistance – Therapists aren’t here to argue with clients, but to find a way to collaboratively work together, even hen a client isn’t sure what needs changing or they aren’t ready to make changes.
- Support self-efficacy – We all have strengths and times we have made choices that were helpful and not harmful. Therapists focus on these strengths and successes to help build the motivation to move forward and to make the sometimes difficult choices that come with changing.
Clients often feel heard and not pressured when working with an MI therapist. This builds trust and openness.
What Sets MI Apart from Other Therapies?
Unlike directive approaches, MI builds change through conversation. Therapists don’t give commands or advice—they draw out motivation through questions and reflections.
This approach works especially well for people who feel ambivalent or defensive in therapy.
Does Motivational Interviewing Work?
Yes. Studies show that MI improves outcomes across many mental health and behavioural concerns.
Therapists often combine MI with other therapies like CBT, DBT, or trauma-focused care. It enhances motivation and readiness for deeper therapeutic work.
Many people see progress in just a few sessions.
How Long Does MI Last?
Motivational Interviewing adapts to your needs. Some people attend a few focused sessions. Others include it in a longer treatment plan.
You and your therapist decide what works best.
Start Your Change Conversation
If you feel stuck or unsure where to start, Motivational Interviewing can help you find direction.
Our therapists use compassionate, evidence-based methods to support real change. Whether you’re exploring options or ready to act, we’re here to help.
Book a free 20-minute consultation today to see if Motivational Interviewing is right for you.
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