Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a therapeutic technique used by professionals to help clients overcome ambivalence and achieve lasting behavior change. Developed in the 1980s, MI is widely used in addiction treatment, mental health counseling, social work, nursing, and other helping professions.
Studies have shown that MI is an effective tool for substance abuse treatment. One study concluded that MI was significantly more effective than standard educational interventions at reducing substance use and improving treatment compliance. Other studies have found that MI-based counseling can increase motivation to change and improve the success rate of addiction treatment programs.
Insight Recovery Center offers an addiction therapy program in North Carolina and is one of many professional centers using motivational interviewing in their approach to wellness and recovery. Call 828.826.1376 to learn more.
What Is Motivational Interviewing?
Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based counseling practice that helps clients explore, clarify, and resolve their own internal motivation and commitment to change while respecting and keeping the client’s autonomy intact. MI is a non-confrontational style of communication that encourages positive behavior change in clients while helping them to identify the barriers they face. The goal is to move the person from ambivalence and indecision towards action and commitment by having an open dialogue about their motivations and goals for recovery.
How Is MI Used in Behavioral Health Treatment?
Motivational interviewing is used in a variety of settings, including addiction treatment and mental health counseling. It is an effective tool for helping clients identify and modify behaviors that are preventing them from making positive changes in their lives. Additionally, MI can be used to help clients build confidence and self-esteem while developing strategies for coping with cravings or stressful situations.
What Are the Benefits of Motivational Interviewing?
Motivational interviewing has been proven to be an effective tool for helping clients make positive changes in their lives. Some of the ways MI benefits patients include the following:
- Increases motivation to change
- Enhances treatment compliance
- Helps clients explore and clarify their own motivations for change
- Respects and maintains client autonomy
- Encourages positive behavior changes
- Assists in identifying barriers to recovery
- Builds confidence and self-esteem
- Develops strategies for coping with cravings or stressful situations
Insight Recovery Center in Asheville, NC employs motivational interviewing in our treatment programs and can help you or a loved one find the road to recovery. Call us today to learn more about our treatment options.
Who Is a Candidate for Motivational Interviewing?
While many people can benefit from MI, the best candidate is someone who is committed to making positive changes in their life but may be struggling with ambivalence and indecision. MI can help them move forward by exploring their internal motivations for change and developing strategies for overcoming the challenges ahead.
While MI is designed to help those with ambivalence make the decision to pursue recovery, it can also help those already committed to change learn how to make it happen. It is also beneficial to those needing help developing coping strategies for cravings or difficult situations.
Contact Insight Recovery Center Today
If you or a loved one are looking for addiction treatment services, Insight Recovery Center in Asheville, NC can help. We offer motivational interviewing as part of our outpatient therapy programs and specialize in assisting individuals to achieve lasting recovery.
Substance use disorders are often accompanied by mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Motivational interviewing is an effective therapy for treating both conditions simultaneously. Contact us today online or by calling 828.826.1376 to learn more about our programs and how we can help you or a loved one find the path to recovery.