OARS + I

Affirmations in Motivational Interviewing

Affirmations in Motivational Interviewing are a core communication skill that recognises a person’s strengths, values, intentions and efforts. Used skilfully, affirmations can help people notice resources they may already possess for change.

Affirmations in Motivational Interviewing: More than praise

An affirmation is not simply saying “well done”. Praise can place the practitioner in the role of judge. An MI affirmation seeks to recognise something meaningful that is already present in the person. Affirmations are one of the core communication skills used in Motivational Interviewing.

Instead of: “Good job coming to your appointment.”

Consider: “Despite how difficult things have been, you made sure you got here today.”

What can we affirm?

Effort, persistence, honesty, care for others, courage, previous successes, values, problem-solving, willingness to consider change and the steps someone has already taken.

Affirmations and Empowerment

Affirmations connect closely with Empowerment in the Spirit of Motivational Interviewing. Rather than telling people what they should feel confident about, we help them notice strengths, resources and capabilities that are already theirs. The emphasis stays on the person’s own capacity rather than on the practitioner’s approval.

Person: “I failed again. I only managed three days.”

Possible affirmation: “You kept going for three days in circumstances you found really difficult, and you are still looking for a way forward.”

Simple and complex affirmations

The fourth edition gives greater attention to simple and complex affirmations. Some affirmations recognise something directly expressed. Others infer a deeper strength or quality from what the person has described.

Person: “I’ve messed up a few times, but I keep going back and trying again.”

Simple: “You keep trying.”

More complex: “Giving up on yourself doesn’t seem to be in your nature.”

Authenticity matters

Affirmations need to be genuine. People can usually recognise empty encouragement. The practitioner listens carefully enough to notice what is worth recognising and offers it without exaggeration.

When affirmations in Motivational Interviewing are difficult

Affirmations can feel awkward when we are trying too hard to find something positive to say. They work best when they grow naturally from careful listening rather than from a need to encourage or reassure.

In Motivational Interviewing, an affirmation does not need to be impressive. It simply recognises something genuine about the person’s strengths, efforts, intentions or values. When we cannot offer an affirmation authentically, it may be better to continue listening.