Understanding Motivational Interviewing
Understanding Motivational Interviewing begins with recognising that MI is more than a collection of communication techniques. It is a particular way of working with people when change matters and there may be uncertainty, mixed feelings or competing priorities.
This section of the Knowledge Centre brings together the core ideas that help explain what MI is, how it works and how its different elements fit together.
Understanding Motivational Interviewing: the foundations
What is Motivational Interviewing?
Explore the purpose of MI, the kinds of conversations it is designed for and what distinguishes it from persuasion, advice-giving or simply being a good listener.
Explore What is Motivational Interviewing? →
The Spirit of Motivational Interviewing
MI is guided by Partnership, Acceptance, Compassion and Empowerment. These are not additional techniques. They shape how practitioners understand their role and how they respond to the person in front of them.
The Four Tasks of Motivational Interviewing
Engaging, Focusing, Evoking and Planning provide a useful map for understanding the direction of an MI conversation. They overlap and practitioners may move between them rather than following a rigid sequence.
Understanding motivation and language
Ambivalence
People often have good reasons both to change and to remain as they are. MI treats ambivalence as a normal part of change rather than evidence that someone is resistant or unmotivated.
Explore Working with Ambivalence →
Change Talk and Sustain Talk
MI pays careful attention to the person’s own language about change. Change talk points towards change, while sustain talk expresses reasons for maintaining the status quo. Both deserve careful listening.
What can get in the way?
The Fixing Reflex
When practitioners care about an outcome, it is natural to want to explain, persuade or solve the problem. In MI, noticing this fixing reflex can create space for curiosity, listening and collaboration.
Discord
Discord describes strain in the working relationship. Rather than locating the problem within the person, MI encourages practitioners to consider what is happening in the interaction and respond in ways that restore collaboration.
From understanding to practice
Understanding the principles of MI provides the foundation. Developing competence also requires opportunities to practise communication skills, notice client language, receive feedback and reflect on how MI is being used.
Continue to MI Skills and Practice →
For further information about Motivational Interviewing and the international community of MI trainers, visit the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT).
