What is Motivational Interviewing? 

Motivational interviewing is a therapeutic modality that was developed by a researcher named Miller in the 1980s specifically to treat substance use disorders. Since that time another researcher named Rollnick has worked with Miller to advance the theory. Motivational interviewing is quite a bit different than a lot of other modalities. It is a brief therapy and is narrowly focused on substance use or sometimes other issues where motivation is considered central to making some sort of change. In motivational interviewing, the therapist works to expand the gap between the choices an individual is making and their behaviors and goals. Therapists using motivational interviewing will help a client explore that ambivalence. Ambivalence is when an individual has strong feelings in opposite directions. In motivational interviewing a therapist rolls with resistance. The stages of change in motivational interviewing are precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance (sometimes a sixth stage added like relapse and termination). One acronym used in motivational interviewing OARS: open questions, affirmation, reflective listening, and summary. Another acronym is RULE: resist the righting reflex, understanding the client’s own motivation, listen with empathy, and empower.