Motivational Interviewing

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

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.