Motivational interviewing is a way to help people make good changes in their lives. It is a way to encourage people to make changes by themselves by looking at and thinking about their thoughts and feelings about change. Motivational interviewing was created in the 1980s and is now used in many places, like hospitals, places that help with substance abuse problems, and places that give mental health help.
At its core, motivational interviewing is based on the idea that people are more likely to make changes when they feel motivated. It is a non-confrontational approach that focuses on helping individuals identify and overcome the barriers preventing them from making changes. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, motivational interviewing is tailored to the specific needs and goals of the individual.
This article will explore some common motivational interviewing questions and provide tips for using them effectively. So, this is the introduction to the article “motivational interviewing questions.”
Table of Contents
The principles of motivational interviewing
Several fundamental principles underlie the practice of motivational interviewing. These principles include:
- Express empathy: One of the core principles of motivational interviewing is the importance of expressing empathy and understanding toward the individual’s experiences and perspective. This involves actively listening to the person and demonstrating an understanding of their thoughts and feelings.
- Develop discrepancy: Another principle of motivational interviewing is developing discrepancy, or helping the individual see the gap between where they are currently and where they want to be. This can involve asking questions to help the individual clarify their values and goals and to see the benefits of making a change.
- Roll with resistance: Motivational interviewing recognizes that change can be difficult and that individuals may often resist change. Rather than confronting or overcoming this resistance, motivational interviewing involves “rolling with” resistance by acknowledging and exploring it in a non-confrontational way.
- Support self-efficacy: Motivational interviewing also involves supporting the individual’s belief in their ability to make a change. This can include reinforcing their strengths and past successes and helping them identify and build on their existing resources and skills.
- Affirm: Motivational interviewing also involves affirming the individual’s efforts and progress toward change and recognizing the challenges they have overcome. This can build motivation and encourage further progress.
By following these principles, practitioners can create a supportive and collaborative environment that helps individuals make positive changes.
Common techniques used in motivational interviewing
Several common techniques are used in motivational interviewing to help individuals explore their thoughts, feelings, and motivations around change. These techniques include:
- Open-ended questions: Motivational interviewing often involves asking open-ended, non-judgmental questions to help individuals explore their thoughts, feelings, and motivations around change. These questions are designed to help individuals reflect on their values and priorities and to understand the benefits and drawbacks of making (or not making) a change.
- Affirming statements: Motivational interviewing also involves affirming the individual’s efforts and progress towards change and recognizing the challenges they have overcome. This can build motivation and encourage further progress.
- Reflective listening: Motivational interviewing involves actively listening to the individual and demonstrating an understanding of their thoughts and feelings. This can involve reflecting on what the individual has said, using phrases like “It sounds like you’re saying…” or “It seems like you’re feeling…”
- Summarizing: Motivational interviewing may also involve summarizing the individual’s thoughts and feelings to help them see the big picture and to clarify their values and goals.
- Goal-setting: Motivational interviewing often involves helping individuals set specific, achievable goals that align with their values and motivations. This can help to build motivation and momentum toward change.
By using these techniques, practitioners can create a supportive and collaborative environment that helps individuals to explore and resolve their ambivalence around change.
Examples of motivational interviewing questions
Motivational interviewing involves open-ended, non-judgmental questions to help individuals explore their thoughts, feelings, and motivations around change. Here are some examples of motivational interviewing questions that practitioners might use:
- “What are your values and priorities in life?”
- “What are your goals for the future?”
- “How do you see making this change fitting into your values and goals?”
- “What are the benefits of making this change?”
- “What are the drawbacks of making this change?”
- “What have you done in the past that has helped you make changes?”
- “What strengths and resources could help you make this change?”
- “What challenges do you foresee in making this change?”
- “What support do you need to help you make this change?”
- “What small steps could you take towards making this change?”
- “What are the potential benefits of making this change for you and those around you?”
- “What are the potential drawbacks or challenges of making this change?”
- “How confident are you in your ability to make this change?”
- “What past experiences do you have with making changes in your life?”
- “How do you envision your life after making this change?”
- “What is important to you about making this change?”
Common Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
These questions help individuals explore their thoughts, feelings, and motivations around change and clarify their values and goals. Instead, they are intended to help the individual reflect on their thoughts and feelings and identify their reasons for making (or not making) a change.
Conclusion and resources for further learning about motivational interviewing
Motivational interviewing is a powerful tool for helping individuals make positive life changes. It is a client-centered, directive method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. Motivational interviewing is based on expressing empathy, developing discrepancy, rolling with resistance, supporting self-efficacy, and affirming progress. It involves using open-ended, non-judgmental questions and other techniques to help individuals explore their thoughts, feelings, and motivations around change.
Several resources are available to learn about motivational interviewing, including books, articles, and training programs. Some recommended resources for further learning about motivational interviewing include:
- “Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change” by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick
- “Motivational Interviewing in Health Care: Helping Patients Change Behavior” by Stephen Rollnick, William R. Miller, and Christopher C. Butler
- “Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People for Change” by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick
These resources provide a more in-depth understanding of the principles and techniques of motivational interviewing and can help practitioners develop their skills in using this approach.