What are the principles involved in Motivational Interviewing (MI)?

The principles involved in Motivational Interviewing (MI) focus on engaging with individuals in a way that promotes internal motivation for change. Expressing empathy is fundamental, as it fosters a supportive environment in which individuals feel understood and accepted. This connection allows clients to open up about their struggles and ambivalence concerning change.

Rolling with resistance, another core principle, involves acknowledging and accepting the individual's resistance rather than confronting or opposing it. This approach helps to create a collaborative relationship, where the person feels respected and more willing to explore their thoughts and options regarding change.

These components are crucial for guiding conversations in a manner that empowers the individual, helping them to articulate their own reasons for wanting to change and to develop a sense of agency. This strategy is markedly different from simply setting goals or focusing on techniques of behavior modification, as MI emphasizes the individual's self-motivation rather than an externally imposed agenda.