Understanding Motivational Interviewing

What is Motivational Interviewing?

Motivational Interviewing, usually shortened to MI, is a collaborative way of having conversations about change. It is especially useful when someone feels uncertain, ambivalent or reluctant about making a change.

More than communication techniques

MI is not simply a collection of questions, reflections or techniques to get someone to do something. It is a way of relating to people that combines professional knowledge with respect for autonomy.

The Spirit of MI

In MI 4, the Spirit is described through Partnership, Acceptance, Compassion and Empowerment.

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The four tasks

MI conversations can be understood through four overlapping tasks: Engaging, Focusing, Evoking and Planning. They are not rigid stages and practitioners may move backwards and forwards between them.

Core communication skills

MI uses OARS + I: Open questions, Affirmations, Reflections, Summaries and Information exchange.

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Change talk, sustain talk and ambivalence

MI pays close attention to the person’s own language about change. Change talk favours movement towards change; sustain talk favours the status quo. Ambivalence often contains both.

The fixing reflex

When practitioners are concerned, it is natural to want to explain, advise or persuade. MI helps us notice that fixing reflex and choose responses that support rather than replace the person’s participation.

Where is MI used?

MI is used across healthcare, mental health, substance use, social work, education, criminal justice and other settings where conversations involve change.

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Developing proficiency

Training can begin the learning process, but proficiency develops through practice, feedback, reflection and continued development.

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