Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, short-term therapeutic approach that focuses on strengthening a person's own motivation and commitment to change. Developed in the 1980s by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick, it began as a method to support individuals with substance use difficulties and has since been applied to many other areas of behavioural change.

MI is best understood as a style of communication rather than a set of techniques. The practitioner listens carefully, reflects back what they hear, and helps the client clarify their own reasons for change, rather than telling them what to do. This approach is guided by four core principles, often summarised as R.U.L.E.:

• Resist the righting reflex – avoiding the urge to immediately correct, advise, or fix the client's problems, which can increase resistance.
• Understand the patient's own motivations – exploring the client's personal values, goals, and reasons for change instead of imposing external motives.
• Listen with empathy – using reflective listening to convey understanding and acceptance, creating a safe and non-judgemental space.
• Empower the patient – supporting the client's sense of autonomy and confidence so they feel capable of making and sustaining change.

Because MI focuses on ambivalence (feeling two ways about change) and helps people resolve it, it can be useful in many contexts, including:

• Substance abuse and addiction
• Eating disorders
• Life transitions (e.g., career changes, relationship changes)