Motivational interviewing (MI) is a particularly effective therapeutic technique in the field of psychology and health, which focuses on helping people find the internal motivation necessary to make positive changes in their lives. Developed in the 1980s by psychologists William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick, MI is based on empathy, unconditional acceptance, and supporting clients' self-efficacy. Over the years, five key functions of motivational interviewing have been identified, which are fundamental to its effectiveness and success in different clinical and therapeutic contexts.
1. Establish a collaborative relationship
One of the most important functions of motivational interviewing is to establish a collaborative relationship between the therapist and the client. This relationship is characterized by empathy, mutual respect, and the therapist's unconditional acceptance of the client's experience and perspective. Collaboration involves both parties working together in an active and participatory manner, rather than taking an authoritarian or directive approach on the part of the therapist.
Importance of the collaborative relationship
A collaborative relationship Solid therapy is essential to creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment, where the client feels comfortable expressing their thoughts, emotions, and goals. When the therapist establishes a genuine connection with the client, the latter feels heard, valued and understood, which facilitates the process of change and motivation.
2. Evoking the client's internal motivation
Another essential function of motivational interviewing is to evoke the client's internal motivation, rather than imposing it externally. The therapist helps the client explore and clarify his or her own values, goals, desires, and intrinsic motivations, thereby fostering greater self-determination and commitment to change.
Techniques for evoking motivation
To evoke the client's internal motivation, the therapist uses techniques such as reflective listening, summarizing, asking open-ended questions, and using shift reflexes. These strategies allow the client to reflect on their own motivations, ambivalences, and barriers to change, which increases their awareness and willingness to commit to the therapeutic process.
3. Developing the discrepancy
Cognitive discrepancy or dissonance is another key function of motivational interviewing, which focuses on exploring and highlighting discrepancies between the client's goals and values and their current behavior. By highlighting these discrepancies in a non-confrontational and non-judgmental way, the therapist encourages the client to question his or her choices and consider change as a viable option.
Benefits of developing the discrepancy
When The client becomes aware of the discrepancies between what he values and what he does, he experiences a state of incongruence that drives him to seek a resolution. This motivational tension motivates you to explore alternatives, to commit to change and to make decisions consistent with your authentic goals and values.
4. Supporting Client Self-Efficacy
Self-efficacy refers to the client's belief in their ability to successfully carry out a desired change. Supporting and strengthening client self-efficacy is another essential function of motivational interviewing, as greater confidence in one's own abilities and resources increases the likelihood of achieving change and overcoming barriers.
Strategies to support client self-efficacy self-efficacy
The therapist can use strategies such as praise, positive reinforcement, identifying strengths, and planning small steps toward change to increase the client's self-efficacy. By recognizing and enhancing their abilities and achievements, the client feels more capable and empowered to face challenges and obstacles on their path to personal transformation.
5. Consolidate commitment and change
Finally, the function of consolidating commitment and change seeks to strengthen the client's determination to carry out concrete actions that promote their well-being and personal growth. The therapist supports the client in identifying realistic and achievable goals, in planning change strategies and in adopting an active and sustained commitment throughout the therapeutic process.
Importance of consolidating commitment
Consolidating customer commitment is essential to guarantee the continuity and effectiveness of the change process. It is important that the client feels motivated, empowered and supported to maintain their long-term commitment, overcome relapses and challenge internal and external resistance that may arise on their path to well-being and personal fulfillment.
In summary, the five functions of motivational interviewing – establishing a collaborative relationship, evoking internal motivation, developing discrepancy, supporting self-efficacy, and consolidating commitment and change – are fundamental pillars that guide and sustain the therapeutic process. By integrating these functions effectively, therapists can enhance the motivation, empowerment and positive transformation of their clients, thus promoting genuine and lasting change in their lives.