Motivational interviewing (MI) is a client‐centred method that aims to strengthen a person's motivation and commitment to a specific goal by exploring their reasons for change and resolving ambivalence, in an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion. Motivational interviewing involves a conversation between a trained counsellor and a client. The two usually meet 1 to 4 times for about an hour each. In the sessions, the counsellor helps the person explore the reasons that prevent them from giving up substance use. The counsellor helps them find ways to feel more willing, able, and confident to reduce or stop using substances, instead of telling the person why and how to change their behaviour.  (Cochrane review (2023) Motivational interviewing for substance reduction)

Key resources:

• Skills Consortium (2013) Briefing paper 1: motivational interviewing
• NREPP Learning Center. (2017) Motivational Interviewing for behavioral health conditions

Other documents on Motivational Interviewing from the library collection