Motivational interviewing is a counseling method that will help you resolve ambivalent feelings and insecurities to find your own unique internal motivation needed to change a behavior. It is a practical, empathetic, and short-term process that takes into consideration how difficult it is to make life changes.
What you can expect
In a supportive manner, a motivational interviewer like myself encourages you to talk about your need for change and your own unique reasons for wanting to change. I will evoke a conversation about change and commitment. Then, I listen and reflect your thoughts so you can hear your reasons and motivations expressed back to you. Motivational interviewing is generally short-term counseling that requires just one or two sessions, though it can also be included as an intervention along with other, longer-term therapies.
How it Works
Motivational interviewing evolved from Carl Roger’s client-centered approach to counseling as a method to help you commit to the difficult process of change. As opposed to simply stating a need or desire to change, hearing yourself express a commitment out loud has been shown to help improve your ability to actually make those changes. My role is more about listening than intervening.
Along with receiving formal training on Motivational Interviewing, I have been able to put the theory to practice in the job setting. I currently am employed as a Registered Dietitian in the outpatient setting and am able to apply the principles in a real-life setting with my patients everyday!
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