What is Motivational Interviewing (MI)?

"MI is a collaborative, goal-oriented style of communication with particular attention to the language of change. It is designed to strengthen personal motivation for and commitment to a specific goal by eliciting and exploring the person’s own reasons for change within an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion.”

(Miller & Rollnick, 2013, p. 29)

The MI approach could be compared to a conversation with a compassionate friend who does not judge, gives one his full attention, and asks questions that call forth the sharer's own strengths, wisdom, and solutions.

At the beginning of the conversation, sharers may be ambivalent, but willing to consider how things could be better with change. As the conversation progresses, sharers may identify their own reasons for change and acknowledge the possibility of success; they begin to feel able to create change in their lives. Eventually, with increased confidence in their ability to change, sharers are ready to commit themselves to an action plan. They make change a priority and declare it in word and action. In a sense, they make a pledge to themselves. See the illustration below.

What is the Goal of MI?