liveonearth: (Default)
liveonearth ([personal profile] liveonearth) wrote2008-02-28 04:26 pm

Motivational Interviewing

http://motivationalinterview.org/

This is a method that has been used for sustance abuse intervention by non-specialists. It is suggested as a method for healthcare practitioners of all types to use for opportunistic interventions when they encounter a situation in which a person's ideal behavior is discrepant from their actual behavior (I can't think of any examples, can you?). One study suggested that brief interventions work better than no intervention at all, and sometimes as well as more intensive treatment. It appears to be adaptable to many risk behaviors and populations.

It reminds me very much of nonviolent communication, as expounded in the book of that title by Marshall Rosenberg.

The technique is client-centered and is designed to build trust and reduce resistance, and to increase readiness for change. The principles include:
1) understanding the client's view accurately
2) avoiding or de-escalating resistance
3) increasing the client's self-efficacy
4) increasing their perceived discrepancy between their actual and idea behavior

The active components of the technique are:
1) increasing readiness to change
2) using empathic listening techniques
3) increasing self-efficacy
4) increasing percieved discrepancy

[identity profile] neptunia67.livejournal.com 2008-02-29 01:47 am (UTC)(link)
It is suggested as a method for healthcare practitioners of all types to use for opportunistic interventions when they encounter a situation in which a person's ideal behavior is discrepant from their actual behavior (I can't think of any examples, can you?).

Wouldn't this be any type of self-destructive behavior, such as poor eating habits, substance abuse, lack of exercise?

I have been thinking about motivational speaking again, in the area of reaching optimal health through diet. I know I am not an expert and would never claim to be, but I think my journey to health could serve as an example to others who are willing to take responsibility for their own well-being. It's on the burner, simmering. I still have a way to go before I'll feel that I am ready to use myself as an example.

[identity profile] liveonearth.livejournal.com 2008-02-29 05:00 am (UTC)(link)
You have the same examples of discrepancies in mind that I do. Motivational speaking sounds like a good goal. We sure do need it! I agree that you have to live it before you can teach it.

[identity profile] b-vainamoinen.livejournal.com 2008-02-29 02:07 am (UTC)(link)
I really like motivational interviewing A LOT. I use it all the time.

[identity profile] b-vainamoinen.livejournal.com 2008-03-04 07:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, I'm in the second year of my clinical placement towards a master's in social work.

So, I am currently providing one-to-one counseling for several clients as part of my "internship."

I have been through training on motivational interviewing and I must say that it works very well.

[identity profile] liveonearth.livejournal.com 2008-03-04 07:44 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah, you're headed for a MSW! Good choice. Do you mind describing your training? How long, what kind? Why do you think it works so well?

[identity profile] b-vainamoinen.livejournal.com 2008-03-04 10:05 pm (UTC)(link)
I went to a one-day overview training. Then, I read a couple of books on it (Including "Motivational Interviewing").

Then, me and my field supervisor both went to a two-day intensive training workshop that drilled down on each of those 4 techiques you listed above and included lots of "role-playing" type of experiential stuff.

The reason I think it works so well is because the motivation for change all comes from the client. It all becomes "the client's idea." The therapist helps the client see that they CAN make the changes that they want to make.

So, it's that sort of thing.

[identity profile] liveonearth.livejournal.com 2008-03-05 02:00 am (UTC)(link)
Sounds like plenty of training for a fairly simple practice....but oh so useful. Thanks for the reply.