Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a way of talking to people about behavior change. In healthcare, we use MI to guide patients (or clients) through health decisions about which they are undecided.
The classic MI example, and the setting in which it was developed, is smoking cessation. WE may have a clear health-positive goal (stop smoking now!), with clear reasons and motives to act (it’s terrible for you!), but the decision to stop smoking isn’t always easy, and the implementation can be daunting.
If we take a hard persuasive stance, we risk losing our patient’s trust and cooperation in other areas of their care. Read online patient forums: they are filled with stories of patients voicing frustration with medical professionals who did not seem to listen. Those patients don’t return, and they either delay or opt out of beneficial treatments.
Alternatively, MI gives us tools not only to listen well, but also to guide patients through exploration of their options. Specifically, conversations using MI facilitate patients’ ability to talk themselves into health-positive behaviors. If you’re new to Motivational Interviewing, you might be wondering: what is the secret recipe? how does this work? You’re in the right place.
Whose arguments do we most believe?
Our own.
We talk ourselves into things every day, both helpful and unhelpful choices:
“I deserve a treat after that stressful day.”
“I will feel better if I go running before work.”
“It’s OK to skip once; I brushed my teeth this morning, and I’m too sleepy.”
“I’m going to quit drinking before it causes me more trouble.”
We all know someone who needs anything new to be their idea.
Motivational Interviewing allows you to structure conversations with patients such that the health-positive change is their idea, the reasons to do it are their idea, and the steps to take towards implementation… see the pattern yet?
Why should I change how I do things?
I can’t make you change anything. Consider this: you’ve read this far. You studied for years to earn your professional standing, including new concepts and techniques. You prioritize patient welfare. You use all available tools to ensure patients are successful in managing their health. If MI works (and research says it does), what benefits might you and your patients experience?
Who can use MI?
MI has over 1500 clinical trials backing up applications in a variety of treatment settings and population demographics. It has been shown to be effective in brief healthcare interactions. While it may be used in traditional psychological counseling, Motivational Interviewing doesn’t require a couch or PhD.
Start learning MI today.
Get the tools you need to help patients engage in care. Help them commit and follow through on behavior change. For a full list of services, click on over to “Work with me”