Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, person-centred communication
approach that helps individuals strengthen their own motivation and
commitment to positive behavioural change. Developed by psychologists William
R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick, Motivational Interviewing recognises that lasting
change is more likely when motivation comes from within the individual rather
than being imposed by others. Instead of confronting or persuading people to
change, practitioners work alongside them to explore their values, goals and
ambivalence while supporting autonomy and self-determination. Within social
work, Motivational Interviewing is widely used to support individuals
experiencing substance misuse, mental ill health, domestic abuse, offending
behaviour and other situations where behaviour change may improve wellbeing
(Miller & Rollnick, 2023).
Motivational Interviewing originated during the 1980s through William Miller's
work with people experiencing alcohol dependence. Miller observed that
confrontational approaches often increased resistance and reduced engagement,
whereas collaborative conversations that respected individuals' autonomy
appeared more effective in encouraging change. Stephen Rollnick later joined
Miller to further develop the approach, resulting in a communication style that
has since been widely adopted across healthcare, social work, psychology and
criminal justice. The approach has evolved through extensive research and is
now recognised as an evidence-based intervention for promoting behaviour
change across a range of settings (Miller & Rollnick, 2023).
The central principle of Motivational Interviewing is that ambivalence is a normal
part of change. Individuals often recognise the disadvantages of their current
behaviour while also identifying reasons to maintain it. Rather than attempting
to persuade or challenge individuals directly, practitioners help them explore
both sides of this ambivalence so they can identify their own reasons for change.
This process encourages greater ownership of decisions and increases intrinsic
motivation.
Motivational Interviewing is guided by four key principles, often summarised as
the spirit of MI. These include partnership, where practitioners work
collaboratively rather than adopting an expert role; acceptance, involving
respect for the individual's autonomy and worth; compassion, focusing on
promoting the individual's wellbeing; and evocation, where practitioners draw
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, person-centred communication
approach that helps individuals strengthen their own motivation and
commitment to positive behavioural change. Developed by psychologists William
R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick, Motivational Interviewing recognises that lasting
change is more likely when motivation comes from within the individual rather
than being imposed by others. Instead of confronting or persuading people to
change, practitioners work alongside them to explore their values, goals and
ambivalence while supporting autonomy and self-determination. Within social
work, Motivational Interviewing is widely used to support individuals
experiencing substance misuse, mental ill health, domestic abuse, offending
behaviour and other situations where behaviour change may improve wellbeing
(Miller & Rollnick, 2023).
Motivational Interviewing originated during the 1980s through William Miller's
work with people experiencing alcohol dependence. Miller observed that
confrontational approaches often increased resistance and reduced engagement,
whereas collaborative conversations that respected individuals' autonomy
appeared more effective in encouraging change. Stephen Rollnick later joined
Miller to further develop the approach, resulting in a communication style that
has since been widely adopted across healthcare, social work, psychology and
criminal justice. The approach has evolved through extensive research and is
now recognised as an evidence-based intervention for promoting behaviour
change across a range of settings (Miller & Rollnick, 2023).
The central principle of Motivational Interviewing is that ambivalence is a normal
part of change. Individuals often recognise the disadvantages of their current
behaviour while also identifying reasons to maintain it. Rather than attempting
to persuade or challenge individuals directly, practitioners help them explore
both sides of this ambivalence so they can identify their own reasons for change.
This process encourages greater ownership of decisions and increases intrinsic
motivation.
Motivational Interviewing is guided by four key principles, often summarised as
the spirit of MI. These include partnership, where practitioners work
collaboratively rather than adopting an expert role; acceptance, involving
respect for the individual's autonomy and worth; compassion, focusing on
promoting the individual's wellbeing; and evocation, where practitioners draw
