Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing is a therapeutic technique used to increase a person’s motivation for sobriety and commitment to long-term change. This modality helps individuals strengthen their self-motivation for change, rather than attempting to change to please others. Through motivational interviewing, the addicted person evaluates the benefits or disadvantages of their life choices and behaviors, as well as what may be stopping them from making healthy choices. The client determines what changes they want to make according to their own needs and goals.

How does Motivational Interviewing work?

Motivational interviewing is a collaboration between the therapist and the addicted person, with a strong emphasis on the client’s ideas, feelings, and decisions. It is often used in conjunction with other recovery interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, stress management techniques, and participation in 12-step and other support groups.
This therapy accentuates the positive traits and innate wisdom in each person. When individuals have strong confidence and self-esteem and clear personal values, they can more easily commit to making the healthy life choices necessary for long-term recovery.

Who can benefit from motivational interviewing?

We incorporate motivational interviewing into treatment for most clients at Turning Point of Tampa. This therapeutic approach helps clients realize that they have the potential and desire to change their behavior for themselves, as opposed to changing due to outside influences or pressure.

How do I know if motivational interviewing is right for me?

Motivational interviewing can help anyone in the early stages of their recovery to take the next step on their recovery journey. When used alongside additional clinical therapy, motivational interviewing can provide added clarity and purpose to individuals looking to change addictive or harmful behaviors.

What should I expect from motivational interviewing?

Motivational interviewing takes place between a client and their therapist, who will lead them through a guided exploration of why they want to recover and the choices they have made up to this point. Insights from this process can help the client as they move through additional forms of therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and therapeutic groups.