Stages of Change and Motivational Interviewing Skill

Stages of Change and Motivational Interviewing Skills

On Saturday, May 14, 2011, Dr Fenny Braide attended and participated in a FREE seminar organized by the Department of Behavioral Health, City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to address services and strategies that are appropriate to stages of change in (Cognitive, Experiential & Behavioral change) in mental health treatment.

This one-day training covered the Stages of Change theory, and how it applies to behavioral change, together with an introduction to Motivational Interviewing principles and techniques.

Motivational Interviewing is an evidence-based and client-centered approach to elicit and strengthen motivation for change. Motivational Interviewing evolved from the addiction field. And now applies to numerous behavior change areas in mental health, co-occurring disorders / dual diagnosis, and primary health care, including management of medical conditions (diabetes, weight change, HIV, etc.), nutrition, medication adherence, gambling, smoking, as well as substance abuse disorders. It is practiced with adults and adolescents.

Defining Motivation

Motivation in clinical term is the psychological feature that drives a person to action towards a desired goal; the reason for the action and the purpose direction to behavior. ALL people are motivated, have reason, desires or drives.

On the other hand, Motivational Interviewing is client-centered directive method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. Meaning: The motivational strategies for change are elicited from the person (and then supported) not installed.

Reframing The "Unmotivated"

Change happens when individuals connect the change with something of intrinsic value to them - something they view as important. Sometimes people get stuck because they are ambivalent often for good reason. For example, accepting environment / relationship can allow people to explore where they are in relation to where they want to be.

In an interview with the unmotivated, ask yourself "what is going on with this person such that they are not more involved in improving the quality of their life. Seek to understand what the person is motivated FOR as well as what the person is motivated AGAINST. When we do this, we focus on the whole person, in context and seek to understand rather to try to change the person. The technique gives us the opportunity to connect the CHANGE to the person's motivation.

Note: In this process you must learn to Listen, develop a relationship, raise awareness, ask questions, show empathy and understanding, create alliance and give support.

Dr. Fenny Braide, is a Psychotherapist and Mental Health Consultant. He was a former IBHC Lead Clinician in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Posted: 05/15/11