Motivational Interviewing Techniques

Today we're going to revisit treatment techniques used in Person Centered Therapy and give an example of how a therapist may use the technique:
Number 1. Eliciting Change Talk: This refers to encouraging clients to express their reasons and motivations for change. This could involve discussing their desired goals, dissatisfaction with their current situation, and ability to change.
Example: "What makes you believe you could benefit from quitting smoking? How would your life be better?"
2. Rolling with Resistance: This technique involves not arguing with the client when they resist change. Instead, the therapist provides understanding and empathy, encouraging clients to explore their thoughts and feelings.
Example: "I understand you're feeling reluctant about this change, and it's completely okay. Let's delve deeper into what's making you feel this way."
3. Developing Discrepancy: The therapist helps the client see the gap between their current behaviors and their ideal or desired values or goals, thereby creating an internal motivation to change.
Example: "You mentioned that health is essential to you, yet your smoking habit seems to be in conflict with that. How do you feel about this?"
4. Decisional Balance: This involves exploring the pros and cons of change and the pros and cons of not changing. This can help the client see the benefits of change and the costs of staying the same.
Example: "What good things might happen if you stop drinking? And what might be the downsides of not changing?"
5. Exploring Values and Goals: This is about understanding what's important to the client and what they hope to achieve. The therapist assists the client in identifying and articulating these values and goals.
Example: "What are some things you value in life? How do these relate to your current situation and future aspirations?"
6. Autonomy Support: This technique involves respecting the client's autonomy and emphasizing that the decision to change is theirs. It helps foster intrinsic motivation and self efficacy.
Example: "It's ultimately your decision how to proceed, and I'm here to support you. You have the strength and power to make this change."
7. Amplifying Ambivalence: The therapist highlights the client's mixed feelings or contradictory desires about change, facilitating a clearer understanding of their motivations and barriers.
Example: "On one hand, you want to quit smoking for your health, but on the other hand, you find it difficult to let go. Let's explore this a bit more."
8. Using Scaling Questions: This involves asking clients to rate their readiness, confidence, or importance of change on a scale, helping to quantify these subjective feelings and track progress over time.
Example: "On a scale from 1 to 10, how confident do you feel about your ability to make this change?"
9. Exploring pros and cons: This technique involves discussing the positive and negative aspects of a client's current behavior and potential change. This exploration can aid the client in recognizing their ambivalence, which is often a key barrier to change. 
Example: "On one hand, I hear that drinking helps you cope with stress, but on the other hand, it seems to be causing some issues in your relationships. How do you feel about these different aspects?"
10. Supporting self efficacy: This technique involves empowering the client and supporting their belief that they can achieve their goals and make changes. Self efficacy, or confidence in one's ability to achieve a goal, is critical for motivating change. 
Example: "It's clear that you have a lot of strength and have overcome difficulties before. I believe you can make the changes you want to see in your life."
11. Looking ahead: This involves helping the client to visualize their future if they make the change they're considering. It can also include contemplating what might happen if they don't make the change. This future oriented perspective can help motivate change. 
Example: "Let's imagine how your life might be different a year from now if you can stop smoking. How would that impact your daily routine, health, or relationships?"
12. Recognizing and reinforcing change: This technique involves the therapist acknowledging any changes the client has made an encouraging continued progress. Even small steps can be celebrated, representing progress toward the client's ultimate goal. 
Example: "I noticed you mentioned trying to limit your alcohol consumption last week. That's a significant step forward. How did that feel?"
And 13. Evoking hope: This technique instills a sense of optimism and hope in the client. The client needs to believe that change is possible and that better days lie ahead. This can help to motivate them to take steps towards change. 
Example: "Even though things are difficult now, I see a lot of potential for change. Many people I've worked with have been in similar situations and have made incredible progress. It's absolutely possible for you too."