Ep 1 The Spirit of Motivational Interviewing

The Spirit of Motivational Interviewing

What is the Spirit of Motivational Interviewing, and why is it fundamental to the way MI is practised? In the first episode of Talking to Change: A Motivational Interviewing Podcast, Glenn Hinds and Sebastian Kaplan introduce themselves, their hopes for the podcast and the Spirit of Motivational Interviewing.

At the time this episode was recorded in 2018, MI Spirit was described through four interrelated elements: Partnership, Acceptance, Compassion and Evocation. The conversation considers how these principles support respectful, collaborative conversations about change, with the practitioner working alongside the person rather than taking an expert-led or directive position.

Understanding MI Spirit helps put the practical skills of Motivational Interviewing into context. Open questions, reflections and other MI skills are not simply techniques. They are used within a relationship characterised by curiosity, respect for autonomy and genuine interest in the person’s own perspectives, values and reasons for change.

In this episode

• Glenn and Sebastian introduce themselves and their hopes for Talking to Change
• The relational foundation of Motivational Interviewing
• Partnership and working collaboratively with people
• Acceptance and respect for autonomy
• Compassion within the helping relationship
• Evocation, the terminology used when this episode was recorded in 2018
• Why MI Spirit gives context and direction to the practical skills of MI

MI Spirit and current terminology

Update: This episode was recorded in 2018 and reflects the terminology used in Motivational Interviewing at that time. In the fourth edition of Motivational Interviewing, the fourth element of MI Spirit is described as Empowerment. Read the current guide to the Spirit of Motivational Interviewing, including Partnership, Acceptance, Compassion and Empowerment.

For questions or suggestions about Talking to Change, contact Glenn Hinds and Sebastian Kaplan at the podcast email below.

Listen to Episode 1: The Spirit of Motivational Interviewing

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