Change talk in motivational interviewing refers to:

Change talk in motivational interviewing specifically refers to expressions made by individuals that indicate their desire, ability, reasons, and need for change. This can include both verbal statements and nonverbal cues. Such expressions are crucial for the motivational interviewing process as they serve to promote the individual’s intrinsic motivation to make changes in their behavior.

When a person articulates their wishes to change, it can significantly enhance the overall effectiveness of the intervention. This aligns with the core principles of motivational interviewing, which seeks to elicit and reinforce motivation for change through dialogue. Listening and responding to these expressions enables facilitators, like correctional and probation officers, to support offenders in developing their own motivations toward positive behavioral changes.

This understanding is key because when individuals express a desire to change, it often reflects their awareness and acceptance of the need for change, creating a pathway for further exploration and action toward that change.