Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a goal-oriented, patient-centered approach to treatment that seeks to modify one's behavior. The main task of this collaboration is to support the will and commitment of the patient who is faced with the conviction and self-knowledge that they need help changing their behavior. 

MI therapy allows you to accomplish change on your terms by looking at your reasons for change and addressing any ambivalence about it—all in a circular way that contributes significantly towards strengthening the resolve and motivation for change.

Motivational Interviewing is an evidence-based practice designed to help individuals change their behavior related to alcohol or drug addiction. This straightforward technique can be especially beneficial for those resistant to treatment or unaware that they have a problem.

How Does MI Works

Many evidence-based cognitive and social psychology methodologies are used in motivational interviewing, which is not a theory-driven approach. According to MI, persons who engage in harmful habits like excessive drinking or drug use are at varying degrees of preparedness to alter their ways. As a result of socio-psychological reactance theory, patients are more motivated to regain their capacity to make choices after receiving well-intentioned medical counsel. 

MI is about people-centered, goal-oriented communication with a particular emphasis on the manifestations of change. By eliciting and amplifying a person's motivations for change in an environment of acceptance and empathy, the objective is to improve motivation and commitment to behavioral change. In other words, MI is a therapeutic philosophy, not a method, and its goal is not to force individuals to alter their behavior against their choice.

The primary goal of MI is to foster and develop the patient-provider connection, which is critical to the therapy outcome. It consists of the following basic tenants:

• Patients and clinicians work together in an equal partnership in which the physician does not take authority (superior to the patient).

• Respecting the patient's feelings and perspectives is vital to the treatment process. Additional considerations include ensuring that patients are allowed to make their own decisions about how they want to improve their behavior and how they want to achieve their objectives (patient autonomy).

• Patient-centeredness is shown by the clinician's willingness to put the patient's needs ahead of their agendas.

• It motivates the patient to make a change by examining and supporting the reasons given by the patient for making a change. In addition, this involves the development of a conflict between the patient's aims and values and their present issue behavior.

Benefits of Motivational Interviewing

There are several reasons why MI is so highly regarded, including these benefits:

• Enhancing the client's belief in their abilities and the abilities of others
• Assisting clients to accept personal accountability for their activities
• Reducing the risk of relapse in the future
• Making patients more amenable to therapy by preparing them
• Empowering customers to take control of their own life
• Learning to accept responsibility for one's actions

MI is beneficial for persons who are reluctant to begin addiction treatment or are ill-equipped to make essential life adjustments. It is not only designed to help unmotivated people make necessary changes in their lives and feel stuck. MI is also an excellent option for those who have tried other treatments but have not gotten the results they were looking for.

Empowered by Choice

We at Wish Recovery are sensitive to the fact that every one of our clients has specific wants and demands. Therefore, we ensure that our approach's quality of service and framework are of the utmost importance. This method enables us to provide an individualized treatment plan for you.

It's essential to keep in mind that the professionals that are treating you are there to help you. They are not judging you, and they want to see you succeed. This perspective on motivation is one of the most critical steps of addiction treatment. It's easy to fall back into old behaviors and habits, but motivational interviewing empowers you to act differently. This is not just for your benefit but also those around you.