What is the focus of motivational interviewing (MI)?

Motivational interviewing (MI) is primarily focused on motivating individuals, particularly offenders, to make positive behavioral changes. This approach is client-centered and aims to enhance an individual’s intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving their ambivalence towards behavior modification. By engaging in open dialogues, practitioners encourage individuals to articulate their reasons for wanting to change, acknowledge obstacles, and weigh the pros and cons of their current behavior versus the desired change.

This technique leverages empathy, active listening, and reflective questioning to help individuals find their personal reasons for adjusting their behaviors, which can be significantly more effective than imposing restrictions or rules. The focus on collaboration in MI helps build a trusting relationship, which is crucial for successful interventions. This method recognizes the importance of the individual's autonomy and emphasizes their role in the change process, leading to sustainable behavioral improvement.