Motivational Interviewing
Guide motivation rather than force it.
Shrink Definition
Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based, collaborative communication approach designed to strengthen a person's own motivation and commitment to change. Rather than persuading, confronting, or directing, motivational interviewing emphasizes curiosity, empathy, reflective listening, and exploration of a person's own reasons for change. The approach recognizes that lasting behavior change is often more durable when motivation comes from within rather than being imposed externally.
Plain language
People are more likely to change when they discover their own reasons for changing.
Shrink Insight
People often argue more effectively for change when they hear themselves express their own values and goals.
Why it matters
Motivational interviewing has been studied in: • psychiatry • addiction medicine • primary care • behavioral medicine • weight management • chronic disease • health behavior change Research supports its effectiveness for many behavior-change conversations, particularly when ambivalence is present.
Common misunderstanding
Motivational interviewing isn't manipulation. It respects autonomy while helping individuals explore their own motivations.
Shrink Perspective
People are more likely to sustain change that aligns with their own values.
Shrink Reflection
Think about a time someone convinced you by asking thoughtful questions instead of giving advice.
Shrink Journal
Describe a behavior you would like to change. List your own reasons, not someone else's, for making that change.
Shrink Step
When helping someone change, begin with curiosity rather than persuasion.
Shrink Minute
Questions often change more than lectures.
Shrink Takeaway
Motivation grows through collaboration.
Medical boundary
This concept is educational and shouldn't be used to self-diagnose. It doesn't replace care from a licensed clinician. Symptoms, medication, and treatment decisions should be discussed with a qualified professional, and emergency symptoms require emergency care.
Evidence summary
Motivational interviewing, developed by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick, is one of the most extensively studied communication approaches for facilitating behavior change across medicine, psychology, and addiction treatment. Evidence supports its effectiveness in many clinical settings, although outcomes vary depending on the behavior, context, and implementation. Medical Boundary Motivational interviewing is a communication approach. It's not a replacement for evidence-based psychiatric treatment, psychotherapy, medication management, or other indicated medical care.
Sources
American Psychological Association (APA); Peer-reviewed scientific literature
Reference status: authorities listed citation pending