In this MI blog, we have focused on many important aspects of MI including techniques, processes, spirit, and ambivalence. What we haven鈥檛 talked about much is 鈥淲hat MI is NOT鈥� and clarifying some things related to MI that may be confusing. For example, when working with a client, the clinician always has a direction in which they are moving. It is not the approach by Carl Rogers where he talked about being 鈥渘ondirective鈥� in person-centered counseling. We agree with many of the basic principles of person-centered counseling (and use them in MI) but MI moves in a direction of change by using engaging, focusing, evoking, and planning (the 4 processes). Miller and Rollnick talk about MI being a style or a way of being with people in order to foster motivation for change. They describe it as being a complex style where one can become more proficient over time with practice, feedback, and coaching. Miller and Rollnick were asked once about 鈥渢he difference between doing MI and being MI and one of them answered, 鈥渁bout 10 years.鈥�
MI is also not an isolated psychotherapy or set of skills that can solve all issues. It was designed for the purpose of supporting people resolve ambivalence and strengthen their motivation for change. MI seems to work well with many other approaches and techniques. And even within the processes of MI, if a client has strong motivation for change, the process of evocation would not need to be explored, and instead, moving forward onto planning may be the way to go.
Lastly, MI is not a way of coercing a client into doing something you want them to do. If MI is used correctly, it is not able to create motivation for the client that does not already exist within them. MI is a partnership that encourages the client to come up with their own reasons and motivations for change and where there is a great deal of respect for the client and for their autonomy. MI also attempts to understand the client from their perspectives, attitudes, and beliefs.
There are many aspects of MI and it can be complex. I appreciate having the opportunity to explore more with you what MI IS, and what MI is NOT. Again, MI is really about how to be with people in a way that supports them, respects them, and guides them towards the change they want to experience in their lives and not about manipulating people into doing things they do not want to do.
We will continue our blog series next month on 鈥渃onversations about change鈥� and will explore the recommended 鈥渘ext steps鈥� following a MI training. I hope you all have a great month and have opportunities to use and practice Motivational Interviewing!
For more information about Motivational Interviewing or related services, contact Eunice Akinyi Okumu, by phone (919) 843-2532, or by email, eunice_okumu@med.unc.edu